How to delete a folder in SharePoint

Deleting folders in SharePoint Online is a common administrative task that is done to remove outdated content, reorganize libraries, or comply with retention policies. However, removing a folder, especially one containing files or subfolders, can fail due to insufficient permissions, sync conflicts, retention holds, or special links from apps like Microsoft Teams. Understanding the correct method ensures folders are deleted safely without affecting synced devices, shared content, or compliance settings.

Method 1: Delete a SharePoint folder using the SharePoint Online browser UI

SharePoint Online enables users to delete folders directly from the document library interface, making it the simplest way to remove content without scripts or external tools.

Prerequisites

• You must have Edit or higher permissions over the library.
• The folder must not be protected by retention policies or legal holds.
• Files inside the folder must not be locked, open, or checked out by another user.

Steps

1. Sign in to SharePoint Online and open the target site.
2. Navigate to the document library containing the folder.
3. Select the folder you want to delete.
4. Click Delete from the command bar (or right-click the folder and click Delete).

5. Click Delete in the confirmation pop-up.

   Deleted folders and their contents are moved to the site Recycle Bin for up to 93 days. During this period, they remain recoverable unless permanently deleted or restricted by retention policies and legal holds.

Delete a SharePoint folder from File Explorer

If your document library is synced with File Explorer, deleting the folder in File Explorer will also delete it in SharePoint.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to your synced SharePoint folder that you want to delete.
2. Select the folder and click Delete from the Home tab (or right-click the folder and click Delete).
3. Click Yes in the confirmation dialog box.

Limitations to consider

• You cannot delete folders protected by retention policies or legal holds.
• Deletion may fail if files are locked, checked out, or in use.
• Large folders may take time to process.
• Folders linked to Teams channels or shared externally may be restricted.
• Deleting a folder in a synced library triggers a two-way sync, removing it from local devices as well.

Method 2: Delete a SharePoint folder using PowerShell

Windows PowerShell enables administrators to delete SharePoint folders programmatically, including large folders or bulk operations across sites. This is useful when the browser UI fails or automation is required.

Prerequisites

Before using PowerShell, ensure that:

• You have Site Collection Administrator or Full Control (Site Owner) permissions over the target SharePoint site.
• The PnP.PowerShell module is installed. Install and connect it using the following:

  Install-Module PnP.PowerShell -Scope CurrentUser
  Connect-PnPOnline -Url https://tenant.sharepoint.com/sites/ProjectSite -Interactive
  

Delete a single folder (with files and subfolders)

This command removes the specified folder and everything inside it:

Remove-PnPFolder -Name "OldProject" -Folder "Shared Documents"

Delete a folder using its server-relative URL

This is useful when folder names contain special characters or deep paths:

Remove-PnPFolder -ServerRelativeUrl "/sites/ProjectSite/Shared Documents/OldProject"

Delete multiple folders (bulk operations)

This script deletes several folders in one run:

$folders = @("ProjectA","ProjectB","ProjectC")

foreach ($f in $folders) {
    Remove-PnPFolder -Name $f -Folder "Shared Documents"
}

Supported parameters

The following parameters can be used when deleting folders in SharePoint:

Limitations to consider

• This requires scripting knowledge and administrative access.
• You cannot bypass retention policies or compliance holds.
• Errors may occur if the folder is synced or locked.
• Bulk deletions can be risky without validation.
• This does not provide built-in reporting or audit visibility.

How to simplify folder cleanup and governance

Manually deleting folders works for small tasks, but organizations often need visibility, control, and safety, especially when dealing with large or sensitive content. ManageEngine SharePoint Manager Plus provides a centralized, script-free way to manage SharePoint content at scale.

Important tips

Frequently asked questions