Unable to delete folder from Documents Library in SharePoint Online

Question

Hello everyone,

I created a folder in my Team's SPO site's Documents Library to test and demonstrate permissions to a colleague. I am a site owner and I stopped inheriting permissions for that particular folder and then set my own custom permissions for it, which included removing everyone and adding a few individual members and giving them full control. Once I finished demonstrating these permissions, I removed those users and then specifically gave myself full control for that folder. All of this worked out well, I didn't run into any errors.

We don't need this folder anymore so I want to delete it, but every time I try to, I get the error message "This file is already being deleted." This has been happening since yesterday and I still can't delete the folder. How can I delete this folder?

Answer 1

Dear 100R100,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing issues with Unable to delete folder from Documents Library in SharePoint Online@. I would like to express my sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

We appreciate your understanding that sometimes the initial suggestions may not resolve the problem very soon. However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. For further clarity on the issue could you please try the below:

1. Could you please try to Open the Document Library where the folder is located> At the bottom left, Return to Classic SharePoint> Select the folder and try to delete folder again
2. Could you please Right-click on the affected folder> Move to> My Files> Move here. Check your OneDrive for Business and try to delete the folder from there.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this issue.

Sincerely, Ralph Chawatama | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

Dear 100R100,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing issues with Unable to delete folder from Documents Library in SharePoint Online@. I would like to express my sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

We appreciate your understanding that sometimes the initial suggestions may not resolve the problem very soon. However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. For further clarity on the issue could you please try the below:

1. Could you please try to Open the Document Library where the folder is located> At the bottom left, Return to Classic SharePoint> Select the folder and try to delete folder again
2. Could you please Right-click on the affected folder> Move to> My Files> Move here. Check your OneDrive for Business and try to delete the folder from there.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this issue.

Sincerely, Ralph Chawatama | Microsoft Community Moderator

Hello Ralph,

Option 1 Returning to Classic SharePoint and deleting the folder in the classic view worked and I was able to delete the folder. Thank you very much for your assistance!

Best wishes,

100R100

Answer 3

Hi 100R100,

Good day! 

You are welcome:) You may also give feedback on it.

Sincerely, Ralph Chawatama | Microsoft Community Moderator