What happens when you delete something from OneDrive

When you delete a file or folder from OneDrive, it moves to your Recycle Bin first — it does not disappear when ready. You have 93 days to restore it before OneDrive permanently removes it. If you delete something by accident, you can get it back within that window. After 93 days, the file is gone for good.

The deletion process works the same whether you delete from the OneDrive website, the OneDrive app on your computer, or your phone. The file goes to the Recycle Bin in all cases, and the 93-day countdown starts from the moment you delete it.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleted files move to OneDrive Recycle Bin and stay there for 93 days before permanent removal.
  • You can delete files through the OneDrive website, the Windows or Mac app, or the mobile app — the process is similar in each.
  • Emptying your Recycle Bin permanently removes files when ready, so do this only when you are certain you no longer need them.
  • If someone else shared a file with you and they delete it, you lose access even if you have not deleted it yourself.

How to delete a file or folder on the OneDrive website

Go to OneDrive.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Find the file or folder you want to delete. Right-click on it and select Delete from the menu that appears. The file moves to your Recycle Bin when ready.

If you prefer not to right-click, you can also click the file once to select it, then click the Delete button in the toolbar at the top of the page. Either method sends the file to the Recycle Bin.

How to delete files in the OneDrive desktop app

Open the OneDrive app on your Windows or Mac computer. Navigate to the file or folder you want to delete. Right-click on it and select Delete. The file moves to your Recycle Bin on OneDrive, not to your computer's trash or Recycle Bin.

On Windows, you can also select the file and press the Delete key on your keyboard. On Mac, select the file and press Command + Delete. Both actions send the file to OneDrive's Recycle Bin, where it stays for 93 days.

How to delete files on your phone or tablet

Open the OneDrive app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. Find the file or folder you want to delete. Tap and hold on it until a menu appears, then tap Delete. The file moves to your Recycle Bin.

On some devices, you may see a trash icon or a three-dot menu instead. Tap that, then look for the delete or trash option. The file goes to your Recycle Bin regardless of which method you use.

How to permanently delete files from your Recycle Bin

If you want to remove files permanently instead of keeping them in the Recycle Bin for 93 days, you can empty your Recycle Bin. Go to OneDrive.com and click Recycle Bin in the left sidebar. You will see all the files you have deleted.

To permanently remove a single file, right-click on it and select Delete. To empty your entire Recycle Bin at once, click Empty Recycle Bin at the top of the page. Once you do this, the files are gone and cannot be restored.

Be careful when emptying your Recycle Bin. This action is permanent and happens when ready. Only empty it when you are certain you no longer need any of the files inside.

What to know about shared files and deletion

If someone shared a file or folder with you and then deletes it, you lose access to it even if you have not deleted it yourself. The file disappears from your OneDrive view because the owner removed it from their account. You cannot restore access unless the owner puts it back.

If you delete a file that you shared with others, those people can no longer see it either. They cannot restore it from their own Recycle Bin because it was not in their account — it was in yours. If they need the file back, you must restore it from your Recycle Bin and share it again.

Recovering deleted files within 93 days

To restore a deleted file, go to OneDrive.Com and click Recycle Bin in the left sidebar. Find the file you want to restore. Right-click on it and select Restore. The file returns to its original location in OneDrive.

If you cannot find the file in your Recycle Bin, it may have been there longer than 93 days and is now permanently deleted. You can also check the Version History of a file if you want to see earlier versions of something you are still working on — this is different from recovery and works even if you have not deleted the file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover a file after I empty my Recycle Bin?

No. Once you empty your Recycle Bin, the files are permanently deleted and cannot be restored. If you empty it by accident, contact Microsoft support when ready, but recovery is not may provide after the Recycle Bin is emptied.

What happens to my files if my OneDrive storage is full?

OneDrive does not automatically delete files when you run out of storage. You will see a warning that your storage is full, and you will not be able to upload new files until you delete something or buy more storage. Existing files stay in your account.

If I delete a file from my computer's OneDrive folder, does it delete from the cloud?

Yes. When you delete a file from the OneDrive folder on your computer, it deletes from your OneDrive account and goes to your Recycle Bin. The desktop app syncs with the cloud, so deletion in one place means deletion in both.

Can I schedule files to delete automatically?

OneDrive does not have a built-in feature to schedule automatic deletion. You must delete files manually. However, you can set up rules in other tools like Microsoft Power Automate if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription and want to automate deletion based on specific conditions.