How to Fix Cannot Delete a OneDrive Folder Because of Preservation Hold
Question details
The user is unable to delete a specific folder in OneDrive due to a preservation hold or hidden files protected by compliance policies.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to clean up or delete folders in a OneDrive account managed by an organization.
- Observed behavior
- The folder remains undeletable, often accompanied by a notification about a Microsoft Purview preservation hold or hidden files residing in the Preservation Hold Library.
Ensure you have the necessary IT administrator contact information, as resolving organizational preservation hold issues often requires Microsoft 365 admin privileges.
Switch to Classic View to Delete Hidden Files
Use the classic OneDrive view to uncover and delete hidden files that prevent folder deletion.
Often, a folder cannot be deleted because it contains hidden files that the modern OneDrive interface does not display. Accessing the classic view can reveal these files.
Log in to your Microsoft 365 account and open OneDrive in your web browser.
Click on the 'Return to classic OneDrive' link located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Navigate to the folder you want to delete and look for any files that were previously hidden in the modern view.
Select the hidden files, delete them, and then proceed to delete the now-empty folder.
Review Preservation Hold Library and Contact IT Admin
Check if your site is under a compliance hold and work with your Microsoft 365 administrator to remove it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Preservation Hold Library in OneDrive?
The Preservation Hold Library is a hidden system folder created when a Microsoft 365 administrator applies a retention policy or eDiscovery hold to a site. It securely stores copies of modified or deleted files to ensure compliance with legal or organizational requirements.
Why do files appear in the classic OneDrive view but not the modern view?
The modern OneDrive interface is designed to hide certain system files and metadata-heavy items to provide a cleaner user experience. The classic view reveals these hidden system files, allowing users to interact with or delete them if their account permissions allow.
Can I disable the preservation hold myself?
No, preservation holds are managed entirely at the organizational level. You must contact your Microsoft 365 or IT administrator to have the hold modified or removed via the Microsoft Purview compliance portal.
Will deleting hidden files automatically remove the preservation hold?
Deleting hidden files may allow you to remove a specific folder that was blocked, but it does not remove the site-wide preservation hold. The overarching retention policy remains active on your account until an administrator changes it.
