OneDrive is quite pop across Windows 10 users due to its ability to connect many devices and go along files in sync betwixt them. Yet, it volition occasionally run into issues and stop you from deleting files or folders.

If this happens to you lot, don't worry. Instead, let'south explore all the solutions you can use to avoid filling your cloud storage with outdated or unnecessary files and folders.

one. Make Certain the File Is Closed First

Information technology's possible you can't delete the file considering a programme is currently using it. Make sure you've closed the file on your device and ask other users in your network to close it. Also, check if you accept shared the file with other people and stop sharing the file if you lot need to.

2. Cheque Your File and Folder's Permissions

If the folder was shared with you by someone else, you might not have the necessary permission to delete information technology from OneDrive. You can ask the admin to give y'all permission or ask to delete the file for you.

3. Endeavour Deleting the File From Another Device

If you are the file's admin or have the necessary permission but still can't delete the file, you can attempt to delete it on a different device. Since all OneDrive files and folders are synced everywhere, you lot tin can delete a file from your phone or another laptop.

4. Rename or Move the File or Binder

This is an odd play tricks, but irresolute the file's proper noun sometimes lets you delete an otherwise undeletable file. All you need to practice is change the file'due south name and endeavour to delete it.

If this doesn't work, yous can also attempt moving the file, which works for some people. Cut the file that you can't delete, paste it outside of the OneDrive folder, and then try deleting information technology once again.

5. Pause OneDrive Sync

If OneDrive is currently synching the folder, information technology will prevent you lot from deleting information technology while it works away. Nonetheless, you can temporarily stop the sync and delete the file.

Follow these steps to end OneDrive's sync and delete the binder:

  1. Right-click the OneDrive icon from the taskbar.
  2. Select Help & Settings.
  3. Click Pause syncing and select how long you'd like to break information technology.
OneDrive menu in Windows 10

Wait a few moments afterwards pausing OneDrive's sync and try to delete the file. If y'all desire to resume syncing after y'all've deleted the file, go to Aid & Settings > Unpause sync.

6. Turn Off Files on Demand

OneDrive's Files on Need feature allows yous to keep your files or folders in the deject and access them from your devices without downloading them first. This is a bully option if you want to save space on your HDD or SSD: however, it might prevent you from deleting a file. Here is how to turn information technology off:

  1. Right-click the OneDrive icon from the taskbar.
  2. Click Help & Settings > Settings.
  3. Select the Settings tab.
  4. Uncheck Save space and download files as you use them. If the pick is already turned off, enable and disable it again.
  5. Click OK to save the changes.
OneDrive menu in Windows 10

One time you take successfully deleted the file, go through the steps over again and re-enable Files on Demand.

7. Reset OneDrive

If you still can't delete files from your OneDrive, y'all should reset information technology. Fortunately, resetting OneDrive volition non remove whatsoever of your folders or files. However, it will disconnect all current sync connections, so you'll have to re-add the folders you desire to sync.

Here is how to reset OneDrive:

  1. Open the OneDrive app.
  2. Click the three-dot menu from the top-right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Click Reset now from the bottom of the menu.
OneDrive in Windows 10

Delete OneDrive Files In one case Once again

If you accept the advisable permission and however can't delete the file, you can try one of the unusual fixes and rename the file or cut and paste it outside OneDrive. If this didn't fix your outcome, y'all tin reset the app or reconfigure its settings.

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Nearly The Author

Matthew Wallaker (154 Articles Published)

Matthew's passions pb him to go a technical author and blogger. Having a Bachelor's degree in Technology, he enjoys using his technical cognition to write informative and useful content.

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