how to delete files from onedrive

Question

I delete files from onedrive, empty the recycle bin to free up storage. However these files return later and I am again told I have exceeded my storage limit. What is the solution?

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

On your PC, please check this:

• Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray.
• Click Settings > Account tab.
• Do you see more than one account connected?

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Also, if you haven’t already:

After freeing space (or purchasing additional storage), it can take up to 24 to 48 hours for everything to fully update across your account. I’d recommend waiting that time and check again OneDrive after that.

If the update is still pending after 24 hours, you can try unlinking and relinking your OneDrive account, or resetting it. "Unlink and re-link OneDrive" https://support.microsoft.com/office/unlink-and-re-link-onedrive-3c4680bf-cc36-4204-9ca5-e7b24cdd23ea

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Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

Deleted OneDrive files returning and storage staying over quota usually means either:

1. Files are being re-synced from a device
2. The OneDrive Recycle Bin (online) is not fully emptied
3. Shared or hidden content is still consuming space

Follow these steps to fix it:

1. Check what is using your storage
   • Sign in to OneDrive and review what’s taking up space using the storage view: look for large files, ZIP archives, and other items that are no longer required.
   • Remember that items in the OneDrive Recycle Bin also count toward the quota.
2. Empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin online
   • Go to your OneDrive Recycle bin online and select Empty recycle bin.
   • Important: Emptying the Windows Recycle Bin on the PC is not the same as emptying the OneDrive Recycle Bin. The OneDrive Recycle Bin must be emptied from the OneDrive website.
3. Wait for quota to update
   • After deleting and emptying the OneDrive Recycle Bin, it can take up to 24 hours for storage quotas to update and show the freed space.
4. Stop unwanted re-sync from devices
   • If a PC or mobile device is still syncing the same folders, deleted files may be re-uploaded.
   • On each device, check OneDrive sync settings and remove folders that should no longer sync, or move files out of OneDrive folders (e.g., Desktop, Documents, Pictures) if they do not need to be stored in the cloud.
5. If still over quota after cleanup
   • If as much as possible has been removed and the account is still over quota after 24 hours, additional storage must be purchased.

Also note: if a Microsoft 365 subscription has expired, storage quota may be reduced; renewing the subscription is required to regain the higher quota.

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References:

• What is Microsoft cloud storage?
• Delete files or folders in OneDrive
• My OneDrive says it's full