OneDrive File Issues

How to Restore the OneDrive Delete Warning Message

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to re-enable the warning prompt that appears when deleting a shared file or folder in OneDrive after previously selecting "Do not show this again".

How to Restore the OneDrive Delete Warning Message

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Deleting shared files or folders in the synchronized local OneDrive folder.
Observed behavior: The warning prompt indicating that the deleted item will be removed everywhere is permanently suppressed and no longer appears during file deletion.

Before you start

Ensure that all your currently syncing files in OneDrive have finished uploading or downloading to prevent any sync interruptions before resetting the client.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Sync Client

Since OneDrive does not offer a graphical interface setting to restore this specific warning, resetting the client is the recommended way to revert to default prompt behaviors.

Resetting Microsoft OneDrive forces the application to refresh its internal settings. After the reset is complete, OneDrive will perform a full background sync, and default warning dialogues will be restored.

Open the Run dialog box

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run window.

Enter the reset command

Type `%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset` into the text box and click OK.

Try alternative directory paths

If you receive a 'Windows cannot find' error message, copy and paste `C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset` or `C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset` into the Run dialog and press OK.

Restart the OneDrive app

Open the Windows Start menu, type 'OneDrive' in the search bar, and click on the OneDrive desktop app to launch it again.

No Data Loss: Resetting OneDrive will not delete any of your personal files or data. It simply resets the application's preferences and forces a fresh synchronization connection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific setting in OneDrive to unhide the delete warning?

No, Microsoft OneDrive currently does not offer a dedicated checkbox or setting in its Preferences or Options menu to restore just the 'Do not show this again' warning. Resetting the app is the only supported workaround.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my locally stored files?

No, resetting the OneDrive app will not delete any files or folders from your computer or the cloud. It only resets the application settings and initiates a fresh sync connection to verify your files.

Why does OneDrive warn me when deleting a shared file?

OneDrive shows this warning to prevent accidental data loss. Deleting a synced file or folder removes it from your local drive, the cloud storage, and any other synced devices or users sharing that specific folder.

Document & File Issues