Fix: Cannot Delete a OneDrive Folder Because It Contains Items
Question details
The user is unable to delete a folder in OneDrive and receives an error stating that all items must be deleted first, even though the folder appears empty or only contains subfolders.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to delete a specific folder within OneDrive.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive blocks the deletion process, displaying a prompt that the folder contains items that must be removed, despite it appearing empty to the user.
Ensure you have tested deleting the folder from both the local OneDrive sync folder and the OneDrive web interface before modifying site URLs.
Check for a Preservation Hold Library Policy
Use the OneDrive site contents page to check if an organization-level retention policy is preventing file deletion.
Often, Microsoft 365 administrators set up Data Loss Prevention (DLP) or retention policies. These policies automatically place deleted or modified files into a hidden 'Preservation Hold Library'. When such policies are active, standard users cannot permanently delete folders that contain protected items.
Try deleting the folder from OneDrive on the web. If it fails, try deleting it from your local OneDrive synchronization folder on your computer.
If deletion fails in both locations, log into OneDrive on the web. In the browser's address bar, append '/_layouts/15/viewlsts.aspx?view=14' to the end of your OneDrive site URL and press Enter.
On the Site Contents page, look through the list of libraries and lists for an item named 'Preservation Hold Library'.
If the Preservation Hold Library exists, your files are protected by organizational policies. Contact your Microsoft 365 IT administrator and request them to adjust the retention policy or delete the folder for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive say my folder contains items when it looks empty?
The folder might contain hidden system files, temporary sync files, or items protected by a server-side retention policy (like a Preservation Hold Library) that do not appear in your standard view.
What is a Preservation Hold Library?
It is a hidden storage area in SharePoint and OneDrive managed by Microsoft 365 administrators. It retains copies of files to comply with legal or organizational data loss prevention (DLP) policies, preventing users from permanently deleting them.
Can I forcefully delete a folder protected by retention policies?
No, standard users cannot bypass organizational retention policies. You must contact your Microsoft 365 IT administrator to either exempt the folder from the policy or perform the deletion on your behalf.
