Microsoft OneDrive: How to delete files and free up storage space

Microsoft OneDrive is a popular cloud storage service where any user can store and access files from anywhere. However, managing storage space sometimes is a problematic task.

Gadinsider has come to help you out with this. Below are ways through which deleting files using several methods is done on OneDrive, freeing up storage space while keeping the cloud organised.

Remove files from OneDrive with your computer

1. File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
2. Select your OneDrive folder.
3. Choose which files you want to delete and press the Delete key or right-click on them and select Delete.
4. Files will be placed in the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac).
5. Files can be recovered from OneDrive Recycle bin, within 30 days.

Remove files from OneDrive but not your computer

1. Open two File Explorer or Finder windows.
2. Moving files from the OneDrive folder to a local folder.
3. Files disappear from the OneDrive folder but remain inside OneDrive Recycle bin.
4. Deletion of OneDrive files from your computer.
5. Open the local folder in which the files are located.
6. Right-click the file and select "Free up space."
7. This will remove the file from computer storage, but it remains on OneDrive.

Read more: Secure your WhatsApp data — How to find and restore backups from Google Drive

Using the OneDrive web page

1. Sign in to the OneDrive web page.
2. Navigate to and select files for deletion
3. Use the three-dot icon and select Delete.

Removing files from OneDrive mobile app

1. Open OneDrive app.
2. Tap Files.
3. Select file to delete and tap three dots at the right.
4. Tap Delete.

Some tips on managing OneDrive storage

1. Go through files that are stored occasionally.
2. Delete unwanted files.
3. Make use of OneDrive file recovery feature.