SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Storage Usage Not Updating After Deleting Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The SharePoint admin center does not reflect the freed-up storage space after deleting a large volume of files.

How to Fix SharePoint Storage Usage Not Updating After Deleting Files

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A user deleted over 350 GB of files to free up space, but the admin center usage reports remain unchanged.
Observed behavior: The SharePoint admin center reports the previous high storage usage, even though the Storage Metrics page displays a lower value. This discrepancy has persisted for over a week.

Before you start

Verify that you have permanently deleted the files from both the first-stage (site) and second-stage (site collection) Recycle Bins, as files resting there still count against your total storage quota.

Solution 1

Clear the First and Second-Stage Recycle Bins

Ensure all deleted files are completely purged from the system so the storage quota can actually be reclaimed.

When files are deleted in SharePoint, they are moved to the Recycle Bin and continue to consume storage space. Emptying the recycle bins is mandatory to actually free up the capacity.

Navigate to Site Contents

Open your SharePoint site, click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner, and select 'Site contents'.

Empty First-Stage Recycle Bin

Click on 'Recycle bin' in the top right area. Select all the deleted files you want to permanently remove, and click the 'Empty recycle bin' button.

Empty Second-Stage Recycle Bin

Scroll to the bottom of the Recycle Bin page and click the 'Second-stage recycle bin' link. Select the files again and click 'Empty recycle bin' to permanently purge them from the site collection.

Solution 2Recommended

Request a Backend Investigation from Microsoft Support

If the discrepancy persists for more than a week despite clearing the recycle bins, Microsoft must manually force a storage recalculation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does SharePoint usually take to update storage limits?

Under normal circumstances, SharePoint admin center storage metrics can take between 24 to 48 hours to fully update and reflect newly freed space after files are permanently deleted.

Why is my SharePoint site still full after deleting files?

This happens because deleted files are moved to the site's Recycle Bin and continue to count toward your storage quota. You must manually empty both the first-stage and second-stage recycle bins to recover the storage space.

Where can I find the most accurate real-time storage metrics in SharePoint?

Site Collection Administrators can view a more accurate, granular breakdown by going to Settings > Site Information > View all site settings, and then clicking 'Storage Metrics' under the Site Collection Administration heading.

Document & File Issues