OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, allowing users to store and sync files across multiple devices. Whether you want to free up space or remove files that are no longer needed, deleting files from OneDrive is a straightforward process. However, it’s important to know what happens to your data once deleted and how to manage your files effectively. This guide explains how to delete files from OneDrive, what you can and can’t do, and key considerations for managing your cloud storage.
Can You Delete Files from OneDrive?
Yes, you can delete files from OneDrive, and it’s a simple process. However, once you delete files, they go to the Recycle Bin where they remain for 30 days before being permanently deleted. You can restore them during this period if necessary. If you want to free up space or remove files from your OneDrive account permanently, there are a few steps to follow.
What You Can Do:
- Delete files or folders: You can delete any file or folder stored on OneDrive.
- Restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin: If you accidentally delete files, you can recover them from the OneDrive Recycle Bin within 30 days.
- Delete files from OneDrive on all devices: Deleting files from OneDrive will remove them from all synced devices that are connected to your OneDrive account.
What You Can’t Do:
- Permanently delete files immediately: Files deleted from OneDrive go to the Recycle Bin first. You must empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete files.
- Recover files after 30 days: Once the 30-day retention period expires, deleted files are permanently removed from the Recycle Bin and cannot be recovered.
- Delete system folders or essential files: Some system files or folders, like OneDrive folders for syncing, may not be deletable.
How to Delete Files from OneDrive
Follow these steps to delete files or folders from your OneDrive account:
On Windows (via OneDrive Folder):
- Open the File Explorer on your Windows PC.
- Go to the OneDrive folder located in the left sidebar.
- Find the files or folders you want to delete.
- Right-click on the file or folder and select Delete.
- The file will be removed from your OneDrive, but it will be moved to the Recycle Bin.
On the OneDrive Website:
- Go to OneDrive.com and log into your account.
- Navigate to the file or folder you want to delete.
- Right-click on the file or folder and select Delete.
- Confirm the deletion, and the file will be moved to the Recycle Bin.
On Mac (via OneDrive Folder):
- Open Finder and go to the OneDrive folder.
- Find the files or folders you want to delete.
- Right-click on the file or folder and select Move to Trash.
- The file will be deleted from OneDrive but moved to the Trash, where you can empty it later.
On the OneDrive Mobile App (iOS & Android):
- Open the OneDrive app on your mobile device.
- Navigate to the file or folder you want to delete.
- Tap the three dots next to the file or folder.
- Select Delete to move it to the Recycle Bin.
How to Empty the Recycle Bin in OneDrive
After deleting files, they’re moved to the Recycle Bin in OneDrive, where they remain for 30 days. If you want to permanently delete these files and free up storage space, follow these steps:
On Windows (via OneDrive Folder):
- Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
- Select Empty Recycle Bin to permanently remove all files from OneDrive.
On the OneDrive Website:
- Go to OneDrive.com and log in to your account.
- On the left sidebar, click Recycle Bin.
- Select the files you want to permanently delete or click Empty Recycle Bin to delete everything.
- Confirm the action to permanently remove the files from OneDrive.
On Mac (via OneDrive Folder):
- Open Finder and go to Trash.
- Right-click on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash to permanently delete the files.
On the OneDrive Mobile App (iOS & Android):
- Open the OneDrive app on your mobile device.
- Tap Me in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap Recycle Bin.
- Select the files to permanently delete, or tap Empty Recycle Bin to remove everything.
How to Delete Large Files from OneDrive to Free Up Space
If you’re running low on space and want to delete large files from OneDrive, here’s how you can find them:
On the OneDrive Website:
- Log in to OneDrive.com.
- Go to Settings > Options > Storage.
- Click on View Storage Usage to see a breakdown of your files.
- Sort the files by size to identify the largest ones.
- Select and delete the large files you no longer need.
This method helps you free up space by deleting the most significant files first.
How to Delete Files from OneDrive Shared with Others
If you no longer want to share files with others or remove shared files from your OneDrive:
- Go to OneDrive.com and log in.
- Find the file or folder you want to stop sharing.
- Right-click on the file or folder and select Share.
- Click on Manage Access and remove users who have access.
- You can delete the file afterward by right-clicking and selecting Delete.
The file will be removed from your OneDrive, but it will not affect the recipient’s copy if they have downloaded it.
How to Delete OneDrive Files Without Deleting Them from Your Computer
If you want to remove files from OneDrive but keep them on your local computer, you can use the OneDrive Files On-Demand feature:
- Right-click the file or folder in your OneDrive folder.
- Select Free Up Space to remove the file from OneDrive but keep a local copy on your computer.
The file will be deleted from the cloud but stored on your device.
Will Microsoft Ever Let You Delete Files from OneDrive More Easily?
As of 2025, the process of deleting files from OneDrive remains consistent, but Microsoft is constantly working on improving user experience and cloud storage management. It’s possible that future updates will provide more intuitive ways to manage and delete files, but for now, the method remains largely the same.
FAQs About Deleting Files from OneDrive
Can I recover deleted files from OneDrive?
Yes, if the files are still in the Recycle Bin, you can restore them within 30 days of deletion. After that, they are permanently removed.
How do I delete files permanently from OneDrive?
To permanently delete files, go to the Recycle Bin in OneDrive and select Empty Recycle Bin.
Can I delete OneDrive files without deleting them from my computer?
Yes, using the Files On-Demand feature, you can remove files from OneDrive but keep them on your local computer.
What happens if I delete files from a shared OneDrive folder?
If you delete files from a shared folder, they will be removed from your OneDrive, but the file will remain available to other people unless you also remove their access.
How can I delete large files from OneDrive to free up space?
You can sort files by size in the Storage section on the OneDrive website and delete large files to free up space.