OneDrive File Issues

How to Delete a OneDrive Folder and Fix 'On Hold' Errors

Bushra Parveen Oct 12, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to delete a OneDrive folder containing nested files and subfolders, but encounters an error preventing the deletion of confidential information.

How to Delete a OneDrive Folder and Fix 'On Hold' Errors

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Deleting a directory with nested files via a web browser to remove confidential research data.
Observed behavior: The deletion fails, and an error message appears stating 'Item was not deleted. If attempting to delete a non-empty folder, it is possible that it is on hold'.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure you have locally backed up any essential files, as deleting a folder will move all its nested contents to the recycle bin. If using a school or work account, be aware that organizational data retention policies may restrict file deletion.

Solution 1Recommended

Delete a OneDrive Folder and Empty the Recycle Bin

The standard procedure to remove a folder and all its contents using the OneDrive web interface.

Open OneDrive

Select the Folder

Locate the main folder you wish to delete, hover your cursor over it, and click the circular checkmark box that appears to select it.

Delete the Item

Click the 'Delete' button located on the top navigation bar. The folder and all its nested subfolders will be moved to the recycle bin.

Empty the Recycle Bin

Navigate to the 'Recycle bin' on the left sidebar menu and click 'Empty recycle bin' to permanently erase the confidential files.

Solution 2

Resolve the 'Item May Be On Hold' Error

Troubleshooting steps for when retention or legal-hold policies block you from deleting files.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I receiving an 'Item was not deleted' error in OneDrive?

This happens when your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator has enabled a retention policy or legal hold on your account. It is designed to preserve digital records for compliance reasons and prevents users from permanently deleting folders or files.

Can I manually bypass the OneDrive retention policy to delete my files?

No, end-users do not have the necessary permissions to bypass or turn off organizational retention policies. You must contact your IT support or network administrator to request the removal of the hold.

Will switching to a different cloud storage resolve this issue?

While switching to services like Dropbox gives you a fresh environment for new files, it will not delete the existing files stored in your university or corporate OneDrive account. The original files will remain under the retention policy until the administrator intervenes.

Document & File Issues