OneDrive File Issues

Fix Cannot Remove Old Shared OneDrive Folder (Invalid Item ID)

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to remove a previously shared folder from their OneDrive Shared list due to an invalid item ID error.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user, acting as the recipient of a previously shared folder, is trying to clean up their Shared list after the owner has revoked access.
Observed behavior: The folder remains visible in the Shared list. Attempting to hide or remove it triggers an error message stating that the item ID is invalid.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into the web version of OneDrive, as managing visibility and permissions for shared items is more reliable through the browser interface than the desktop app.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove the Shortcut and Hide the Shared Folder

Because recipients cannot permanently delete a shared folder, you must first remove any linked shortcuts and then hide the folder from your Shared list.

As a recipient of a shared folder, you do not have permission to delete the original folder. If the owner has revoked your access, the folder might linger as a 'ghost' item. You need to remove any shortcuts in your own files first before hiding it.

Remove Shortcut from My Files

Log in to OneDrive on the web. Go to 'My Files', locate the shortcut for the shared folder, select it, and click 'Remove shortcut' from the top menu.

Navigate to Shared with Me

From the left-hand navigation pane, click on 'Shared', then select the 'Shared with me' tab.

Hide the Folder

Find the obsolete shared folder, select it by checking the circle on the item, and click 'Hide' from the top toolbar instead of attempting to delete it.

Recipient Permissions: The recipient cannot delete the original shared item; they can only hide it from their view.

Solution 2

Allow Time for Server Synchronization

Wait for a short period and try again if the error persists, as the invalid item ID is often caused by a temporary server delay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I delete a shared folder in OneDrive?

As a recipient, you do not own the folder, so you cannot permanently delete it from the server. You can only remove its shortcut from 'My Files' or 'Hide' it from your 'Shared' list.

What does 'invalid item ID' mean in OneDrive?

This error typically indicates that the file or folder has already been moved, deleted, or unshared by the owner, but your OneDrive interface has not fully synchronized this change yet, causing a mismatch.

How do I remove a OneDrive shortcut from File Explorer?

Right-click the folder shortcut in your File Explorer (identified by a small link icon over the folder) and select 'Remove shortcut'. This safely removes the link from your view without deleting the original shared files.

Document & File Issues