The three ways to remove files from OneDrive

You can delete files from OneDrive in three ways: move them to the recycle bin (the easiest reversal if you change your mind), permanently delete them so they cannot be recovered, or remove them from your device while keeping them in the cloud. Which method you use depends on whether you want a safety net, how much storage space you need to free up right now, and whether other people share access to the file.

All three methods work the same whether you are using OneDrive on a computer, phone, or the web. The steps differ slightly between platforms, but the end result is identical.

Key Takeaways

  • Moving a file to the recycle bin keeps it recoverable for 93 days on the web version and 3 days on mobile, so you can restore it if you delete by mistake.
  • Permanently deleting a file removes it from the recycle bin and frees up your storage space, but you cannot get it back.
  • Removing a file from your device (sync) keeps it in OneDrive on the web but stops it from taking up space on your computer or phone.
  • If someone else owns the file or folder, you can only remove your own access to it, not delete it entirely.
  • Deleting a file from a shared folder removes it for everyone who has access, not just you.

How to move a file to the recycle bin on the web

Open OneDrive in your web browser, find the file or folder you want to remove, and right-click it. Select Delete from the menu. The file moves to the recycle bin when ready and disappears from your main OneDrive view.

You can also select multiple files at once by clicking the checkbox next to each one, then clicking the trash icon at the top of the page. OneDrive will move all selected files to the recycle bin in a single action.

Files stay in the recycle bin for 93 days before OneDrive permanently deletes them automatically. During that time, you can restore any file by opening the recycle bin, right-clicking the file, and selecting Restore.

How to delete a file permanently

Permanent deletion removes a file from the recycle bin so it cannot be recovered. On the web, open your recycle bin, find the file, right-click it, and select Delete again. OneDrive will ask you to confirm. Click Delete a second time, and the file is gone permanently.

You can also empty the entire recycle bin at once by clicking Empty recycle bin at the top of the recycle bin page. This removes all files in the bin permanently, so use this only when you are certain you do not need anything in there.

Permanent deletion frees up the storage space the file was using. If you are close to your OneDrive storage limit, permanently deleting large files is the fastest way to make room for new ones.

How to remove a file from your device without deleting it from OneDrive

If you use OneDrive on your computer or phone, you can remove a file from that device while keeping it stored in OneDrive on the web. This frees up space on your device without losing the file.

On a Windows computer, open File Explorer, find the file in your OneDrive folder, right-click it, and select Free up space. The file disappears from your computer but remains in OneDrive online. When you need it again, you can read it or access it through the web.

On a Mac, right-click the file in your OneDrive folder and select Remove from this Mac. On an iPhone or Android phone, open the OneDrive app, find the file, tap the three dots next to it, and select Remove from this device. The file stays in your OneDrive account but no longer takes up space on your phone.

What happens when you delete a file from a shared folder

If you delete a file from a folder that other people have access to, the file is deleted for everyone, not just you. They will no longer see it in the shared folder, and they cannot recover it unless they have a backup or you restore it from the recycle bin.

Before deleting a shared file, consider whether anyone else might need it. If you are unsure, you can move the file to a different folder instead of deleting it, or ask the other people who share access before you remove it.

If someone else owns the shared folder and you do not have permission to delete files, you will see a message saying you cannot delete it. In that case, you can only remove your own access to the folder by clicking Stop sharing or leaving the shared folder.

How to remove your access to a shared file or folder

If someone shared a file or folder with you and you no longer want to see it, you can remove it from your view without affecting anyone else's access. On the web, right-click the file or folder and select Remove link or Stop sharing. The file disappears from your OneDrive, but the owner still has it and can share it with other people.

On your computer or phone, you can also delete the shared folder from your device using the same steps as removing any other file. This removes it from your device but does not delete it from the owner's OneDrive or affect other people who have access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover a file after I permanently delete it?

No. Once you permanently delete a file from the recycle bin, OneDrive cannot recover it. If you have a backup or the file was synced to your computer, you might be able to recover it from there, but OneDrive itself has no way to restore it.

How long do files stay in the recycle bin?

Files stay in the recycle bin for 93 days on the web version of OneDrive. On mobile apps, the recycle bin holds files for only 3 days. After that time, OneDrive permanently deletes them automatically.

Does deleting a file free up my storage space?

Moving a file to the recycle bin does not free up space — it still counts against your storage limit. Only permanently deleting a file or removing it from your device frees up space. Removing a file from your device keeps it in OneDrive online, so it still uses your cloud storage.

What if I delete a file by mistake?

Open your recycle bin, find the file, right-click it, and select Restore. The file returns to its original location. You have 93 days to do this on the web or 3 days on mobile before the file is permanently deleted.

Can I undo a permanent deletion?

No. Permanent deletion is final. If you need the file back, your only option is to restore it from a backup if you have one, or ask someone else who might have a copy.