OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Resource Not Found Error When Deleting Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to remove deleted photos from their storage view to free up space due to a resource-not-found error, which is consequently preventing them from using their Outlook email.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to clear OneDrive storage to fix an exceeded quota that is affecting Outlook email functionality.
Observed behavior: Deleted files still appear in the Manage Storage view, and clicking to remove them triggers a 'resource was not found' error.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and access to a web browser, as local application caches can often display outdated storage information.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Stale Files via OneDrive Web Interface

Bypass local cache issues by managing your files directly through the OneDrive website, ensuring you view and modify the current state of your storage.

The 'resource not found' error usually occurs because the files have already been deleted from the server, but your local storage manager or app is displaying a stale file list. By forcing the deletion from the web and emptying the server-side recycle bin, you can refresh your storage quota.

Sign in to OneDrive online

Open a web browser, navigate to OneDrive.com, and click the 'Sign in' button using the Microsoft account associated with your full storage quota.

Check for the ghost files

Navigate to the 'My files' section or the 'Manage storage' view to see if the problematic photos or files are still visibly listed on the web.

Delete files from the web

If the files are still present, select them by clicking the circular checkbox on each file, then click the 'Delete' button in the top menu bar.

Empty the primary Recycle Bin

Click on 'Recycle bin' in the left-hand navigation pane, then click 'Empty recycle bin' at the top of the page to permanently remove the files.

Check the secondary Recycle Bin

Scroll to the bottom of the Recycle Bin page. If you see a link for the 'Second-stage recycle bin', click it and empty that bin as well to fully reclaim your storage space.

Storage Quota Update Delay: After permanently deleting files from the web, it may take up to 24 hours for Microsoft servers to update your storage quota and restore your Outlook email functionality.

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Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Cloud File Management

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive say 'resource was not found' when I try to delete a file?

This error typically occurs when the file has already been deleted or moved on the server, but your local application or storage manager hasn't synced the latest changes and is showing a stale, cached version of your file list.

How long does it take for my Outlook email to work after clearing OneDrive storage?

Once you empty the Recycle Bin on OneDrive.com, it can take anywhere from a few minutes up to 24 hours for Microsoft's servers to sync your updated storage quota across all services, including Outlook.

Where is the secondary Recycle Bin in OneDrive located?

The secondary (or second-stage) Recycle Bin is accessed by clicking 'Recycle bin' in the left menu of the OneDrive website, then scrolling to the very bottom of the page and clicking the 'Second-stage recycle bin' link. Note that this feature is more common on business or school accounts.

Document & File Issues