OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Full and Unauthenticated Error When Deleting Files

WPS Content Manager Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to delete files to free up space on a full OneDrive account because the system returns an unauthenticated error.

How to Fix OneDrive Full and Unauthenticated Error When Deleting Files

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to delete files and clear space after OneDrive has exceeded its 5 GB storage limit.
Observed behavior: File deletion is blocked by an unauthenticated error, and the full storage quota is simultaneously disabling related services like Outlook email.

Before you start

Ensure you have your correct Microsoft account credentials on hand and check your internet connection before attempting to clear storage online.

Solution 1Recommended

Delete Files via the OneDrive Website or Mobile App

Bypassing the desktop app by using the web or mobile version can often bypass local unauthenticated errors.

When the OneDrive desktop application is full, it may fail to sync properly, leading to authentication glitches. Accessing your files directly from the cloud via a browser or mobile app ensures you are communicating directly with Microsoft's servers.

Access OneDrive Online or on Mobile

Navigate to the official OneDrive website in your browser, or open the OneDrive mobile app on your smartphone, and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Select and Delete Unneeded Files

Browse your folders to locate large or unnecessary files. Select them and click or tap the Delete icon to send them to the Recycle Bin.

Empty the Recycle Bin

Storage space is not freed until the Recycle Bin is empty. Navigate to the Recycle Bin section in the left menu and select 'Empty recycle bin' to permanently delete the files.

Delete Files via the OneDrive Website or Mobile App

Restoring Associated Services: Because Outlook and OneDrive share the same Microsoft storage quota, successfully freeing up space here will also restore your ability to send and receive emails in Outlook.

Solution 2

Re-authenticate Your Microsoft Account

If you are still receiving the unauthenticated error, signing out and back in can refresh your session token.

Solution 3

Contact Microsoft Support

If the error persists and prevents you from managing your storage, seek official support before spending money on upgrades.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a full OneDrive stop my Outlook emails from working?

Microsoft utilizes a unified storage quota for Microsoft 365, which includes OneDrive files and Outlook.com attachments. If your 5 GB limit is exceeded in OneDrive, your entire Microsoft account storage is considered full, which blocks Outlook from sending or receiving new messages.

What does the 'unauthenticated' error mean in OneDrive?

The unauthenticated error typically indicates that your current login session has expired, the token is corrupted, or the server failed to verify your credentials. Because of this, the server blocks you from making changes, including deleting files.

Should I just buy more storage to fix the full error?

It is highly recommended to fix the unauthenticated error and delete unnecessary files first. If you purchase more storage while your account has an authentication glitch, the upgrade may not process correctly. Contact support if you cannot delete files.

Document & File Issues