'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Cannot Rename or Delete Files in SharePoint Online
Question details
The user is unable to rename or delete files and folders after copying them to a SharePoint Online document library.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to manage, rename, or delete files that have been uploaded or copied to a document library.
- Observed behavior
- Files and folders act as read-only, preventing the user from applying new names or deleting the items from the library.
Verify that you are logged into the correct Microsoft account with access to the SharePoint site, and ensure no other users currently have the file open.
Verify Permissions and Rename Directly in SharePoint Online
Check your access level in the web interface and modify the file directly to bypass local synchronization restrictions.
Often, files cannot be renamed or deleted from a synced local folder due to background sync locks or restricted inheritance policies. Performing the action directly on the SharePoint web interface is the most reliable way to confirm and utilize your permissions.
Log in to SharePoint Online through your web browser and navigate to the document library containing the locked file.
Hover over the file or folder you want to rename or delete and check the circular selection box to its left.
Click the 'Details' (i) icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Scroll down the pane to the 'Has access' section to verify if you have at least 'Edit' permissions.
If you have Edit permissions, hover over the file name at the top of the details pane to rename it, or click the 'Delete' button in the top command bar.
Rename Files Locally Before Uploading
A temporary workaround if you cannot get immediate permissions to rename files already residing on SharePoint.
Manage and Edit Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While resolving complex SharePoint permissions, you still need a reliable office suite for local document editing. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office, letting you create and edit your essential files effortlessly before uploading them to the cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my SharePoint files opening as read-only?
Files may open in read-only mode if the document library requires files to be checked out, if the file is currently locked by another user editing it, or if your account has only been granted 'View' permissions.
How can I check if a SharePoint policy is preventing file deletion?
Certain Retention Policies or eDiscovery holds set by administrators can prevent files from being deleted or modified. Only a SharePoint or Global Administrator can review and adjust these compliance policies in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal.
Does syncing SharePoint with OneDrive affect my ability to rename files?
Yes, local sync clients can sometimes lock files if a background sync is pending or stuck. If you cannot rename a synced file in File Explorer, try pausing the OneDrive sync or performing the action directly in the SharePoint web interface.
