OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix a Deleted OneDrive Folder That Keeps Reappearing

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to permanently delete a shared OneDrive folder that keeps returning to their directory even after the owner has revoked access and the folder was locally deleted.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to completely remove a previously shared folder that displays multiple times or contains partial data but keeps reappearing.
Observed behavior: The folder continually reappears after being deleted and remains visible despite sharing permissions being revoked, likely caused by a local device incorrectly syncing it back to the cloud.

Before you start

Verify whether the folder was deleted via the OneDrive web interface or the desktop application, and ensure all your connected devices are online to allow synchronization updates to process fully.

Solution 1Recommended

Unlink and Relink Your OneDrive Account

Disconnecting and reconnecting your account forces OneDrive to refresh its synchronization state, stopping local copies from recreating deleted folders.

This method clears the current sync session and re-establishes a fresh connection with the cloud server, effectively resolving ghost folder conflicts without deleting any actual data.

Open OneDrive Settings

Click on the OneDrive cloud icon located in your Windows taskbar notification area, select the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, and click on 'Settings'.

Unlink the PC

Navigate to the 'Account' tab in the settings window and click on the 'Unlink this PC' link. Confirm the action if prompted.

Sign back in

The OneDrive setup screen will automatically appear. Enter your Microsoft account credentials to sign back in and choose your desired folder location to re-initiate synchronization.

Delete the folder

Once synchronization is running correctly, locate the stubborn shared folder in your file explorer and delete it one final time.

Safe Process: Unlinking your PC will not result in the loss of any personal files or data. It simply stops the connection between the device and the cloud temporarily.

Solution 2

Reset the OneDrive Desktop Application

If unlinking does not resolve the issue, resetting the OneDrive app clears its cache and restores default sync configurations.

Solution 3

Delete the Folder via OneDrive on the Web

Ensure the folder is completely removed from the cloud server so it stops pushing back to your local devices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my deleted OneDrive folder keep coming back?

This usually happens due to a synchronization conflict. A disconnected or improperly syncing device, such as a laptop or phone, may still hold a local copy of the folder. Once that device reconnects, it incorrectly uploads the folder back to the cloud, overriding your previous deletion.

How do I permanently remove myself from a shared OneDrive folder?

To properly leave a shared folder, go to the OneDrive website, navigate to the 'Shared' tab on the left menu, right-click the folder you want to leave, and select 'Remove from shared list'. This removes it from your view without deleting the actual folder for the original owner.

Does resetting OneDrive delete my personal files?

No, resetting the OneDrive desktop app only resets its synchronization settings and clears the local sync cache. Your actual personal files, both locally stored and those backed up in the cloud, remain completely safe and untouched during the process.

Document & File Issues