How to Fix OneDrive Cannot Delete Folder Because It Is on Hold
Question details
The user is unable to delete a folder in OneDrive or SharePoint because they receive an error stating the folder is on hold.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to free up storage space by deleting a folder in OneDrive or SharePoint.
- Observed behavior
- The system prevents the deletion and displays an error message indicating the request was canceled because the non-empty folder is on hold.
Verify whether you have administrator privileges for your Microsoft 365 organization, as standard users cannot bypass or modify enterprise compliance holds.
Contact Your Microsoft 365 Administrator to Review Retention Policies
Only an administrator can remove or modify the compliance holds preventing folder deletion.
The message stating 'Request was cancelled by event received; if attempting to delete a non-empty folder, it may be on hold' indicates that your organization has applied a retention policy, preservation hold, or eDiscovery hold to your library. These policies are strictly enforced for compliance.
Locate your Microsoft 365 tenant administrator, which is usually your company's IT department or IT helpdesk.
Ask the administrator to check whether a Preservation Hold Library exists in your OneDrive or SharePoint site.
The administrator must log in to Microsoft Purview to review active retention policies, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, and eDiscovery holds affecting your account.
If permitted by company compliance rules, wait for the administrator to remove or exclude the specific folder from the hold.
Once the administrator confirms the hold is lifted, return to OneDrive and attempt to delete the folder again.
Test Deletion Through the OneDrive Sync Client
Syncing the library locally can help verify if the issue is strictly a server-side compliance hold or a temporary web interface error.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience
If you are tired of running into complex administrative holds and storage limitations in Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for managing your documents seamlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free desktop application for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the simple installation prompts and launch WPS Office.
- 3. Manage Files Easily: Sign in to activate your free WPS Cloud space and start organizing your files without complex enterprise restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'folder is on hold' mean in OneDrive?
It means that a Microsoft 365 retention policy, preservation hold, or eDiscovery hold has been applied to your account. This prevents data from being deleted to ensure your organization complies with legal or internal data retention rules.
Can I remove a OneDrive preservation hold myself?
No, standard users cannot remove or modify these compliance holds. Only a Microsoft 365 administrator with access to the Microsoft Purview compliance portal can adjust these settings.
How long do eDiscovery holds last in Microsoft 365?
The duration of an eDiscovery or retention hold is configured by your organization's administrators. It can last for a specific number of years or be kept indefinitely, depending on the legal or compliance requirements of your company.
