How to Empty OneDrive Recycle Bin
OneDrive is a popular cloud storage service that allows users to store, share, and sync their files across multiple devices. However, just like any other digital storage service, OneDrive has a recycle bin where deleted files are temporarily stored before they are permanently deleted. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to clear out the OneDrive recycle bin, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Step 1: Accessing the OneDrive Recycle Bin
To begin, you need to access the OneDrive recycle bin. There are two ways to do this:
1. Open the OneDrive desktop app on your computer. Look for the “Recycle Bin” section on the left-hand sidebar. Click on it to view the deleted files.
2. Go to the OneDrive website (https://onedrive.live.com) and log in with your Microsoft account. Once logged in, you will see a “Recycle Bin” section on the left-hand navigation pane. Click on it to view the deleted files.
Step 2: Selecting the Files to Empty
After accessing the OneDrive recycle bin, you will see a list of deleted files. To empty the recycle bin, you need to select all the files you want to delete permanently. You can do this by:
1. Checking the box next to each file or folder.
2. Clicking on the checkbox at the top of the list to select all files.
Step 3: Emptying the OneDrive Recycle Bin
Once you have selected the files to delete, it’s time to empty the OneDrive recycle bin. Here’s how to do it:
1. On the OneDrive website, click on the “Empty Recycle Bin” button at the top of the page. This will delete all the selected files permanently.
2. In the OneDrive desktop app, click on the “Empty Recycle Bin” button in the top-right corner of the recycle bin window. This will delete all the selected files permanently.
Step 4: Confirming the Deletion
After clicking the “Empty Recycle Bin” button, you will be prompted to confirm the deletion. Make sure to double-check that you have selected the correct files, as this action cannot be undone. If you are sure, click “Yes” to confirm the deletion.
Step 5: Checking the OneDrive Recycle Bin
Once the deletion process is complete, you can check the OneDrive recycle bin to ensure that the files have been removed. If the recycle bin is now empty, you have successfully emptied the OneDrive recycle bin.
Remember that emptying the OneDrive recycle bin will permanently delete the files, so make sure you have a backup or have confirmed that you no longer need the files before proceeding. If you change your mind, you can restore the files from the recycle bin within the 30-day retention period.
