Sharepoint is a popular document management and collaboration system that individuals and teams use. However, at times it can be a challenge to delete a folder from Sharepoint document library. This blog post aims to discuss several methods that can be used to delete a folder from Sharepoint document library.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Deleting a Folder from Sharepoint Document Library
Deleting a folder from Sharepoint document library may be a challenge for some users who are not well versed with the system. One of the reasons why this may happen is that the user may not have the necessary permissions to delete a folder. In some cases, the user could be trying to delete a folder that has been checked out by another user. In other instances, the user may be trying to delete a folder that has files or folders in it, which can prove to be a challenge.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you start deleting a folder from Sharepoint document library, there are a few things that you should prepare for. Firstly, ensure that you have the necessary permissions to delete a folder from the document library. In addition, ensure that you have identified the folder that you want to delete, especially if it has subfolders or files in it. Lastly, it is always advisable to back up any data or information contained within the folder before you delete it.
Method 1: Using the Sharepoint Web UI
One of the easiest ways to delete a folder from the Sharepoint document library is by using the Sharepoint Web UI. This method involves using the web interface of Sharepoint to delete the folder.
STEP 1: Navigate to the folder that you want to delete on the Sharepoint document library.
STEP 2: Click on the ellipsis (…) that appears next to the folder that you want to delete.
STEP 3: From the drop-down menu, click on ‘Delete’.
STEP 4: A confirmation window will appear asking you to confirm that you want to delete the folder. Click on ‘OK’ to proceed.
Pros:
– It is easy and convenient to use.
– It does not require any special software or tools to use.
Cons:
– It may not work if you do not have the necessary permissions to delete the folder.
Method 2: Using Sharepoint Designer
Another method that can be used to delete a folder from Sharepoint document library is by using Sharepoint Designer. Sharepoint Designer is a powerful tool that can be used to create and manage Sharepoint sites.
STEP 1: Open Sharepoint Designer and navigate to the Sharepoint site.
STEP 2: Navigate to the document library that contains the folder that you want to delete.
STEP 3: Right-click on the folder that you want to delete.
STEP 4: From the drop-down menu, click on ‘Delete’.
STEP 5: A confirmation window will appear asking you to confirm that you want to delete the folder. Click on ‘OK’ to proceed.
Pros:
– It offers more control over the Sharepoint site.
– It can be used to manage multiple Sharepoint sites.
Cons:
– It can be challenging for inexperienced users to use.
– It requires the installation of Sharepoint Designer before you can use it.
Method 3: Using SharePoint PnP PowerShell
Sharepoint PnP PowerShell is a powerful command-line interface tool that can be used to manage Sharepoint sites.
STEP 1: Open the Sharepoint PnP PowerShell command line interface.
STEP 2: Connect to the Sharepoint site that you want to delete the folder from by running the ‘Connect-PnPOnline’ command.
STEP 3: Once connected, navigate to the document library that contains the folder that you want to delete.
STEP 4: Run the ‘Remove-PnPFolder’ command followed by the path to the folder that you want to delete.
Pros:
– It can be used to manage multiple Sharepoint sites.
– It offers more control over the Sharepoint site.
Cons:
– It requires the installation of Sharepoint PnP PowerShell.
– It can be challenging for inexperienced users to use.
Why Can’t I Delete a Folder from Sharepoint Document Library
There are several reasons why you may not be able to delete a folder from Sharepoint document library. Some of these include:
Q: Why am I unable to delete a folder in Sharepoint document library?
A: It could be that you do not have the necessary permissions to delete files or folders from the Sharepoint document library.
Q: Why does the ‘Delete’ option not appear when I right-click on a folder in Sharepoint document library?
A: This could be because the folder is checked out by another user. You need to ensure that the folder is checked in before you can delete it.
Q: Why am I unable to delete a folder that contains subfolders or files?
A: This could be because the subfolders or files have not been deleted. You need to ensure that all subfolders and files contained within the folder are deleted before you can delete the folder.
Additional Tips
– Always ensure that you have the necessary permissions to delete files or folders from the Sharepoint document library.
– It is always advisable to back up any data or information contained within the folder before you delete it.
5 FAQs about Deleting Folders from Sharepoint Document Library
Q: Can I delete a folder from Sharepoint document library if it contains subfolders or files?
A: Yes, you can, but you need to ensure that all subfolders and files contained within the folder are deleted before you can delete the folder.
Q: Can I delete a folder from Sharepoint document library using Sharepoint PnP PowerShell?
A: Yes, you can. Sharepoint PnP PowerShell is a powerful command-line interface tool that can be used to manage Sharepoint sites.
Q: Why does the ‘Delete’ option not appear when I right-click on a folder in Sharepoint document library?
A: This could be because the folder is checked out by another user. You need to ensure that the folder is checked in before you can delete it.
Q: Can I recover a deleted folder from Sharepoint document library?
A: Yes, you can. Sharepoint document library has a recycle bin feature that allows you to recover deleted files or folders.
Q: What happens if I delete a folder from Sharepoint document library?
A: Deleting a folder from Sharepoint document library permanently removes it, and all data or information contained within it.
In Conclusion
Deleting a folder from Sharepoint document library may seem like a daunting task, but it is quite a straightforward process once you understand the steps involved. The methods discussed in this blog post will help you delete folders from Sharepoint document library with ease. However, it is essential to note that you should always ensure that you have the necessary permissions to delete files or folders from the Sharepoint document library, and it is always advisable to back up any data or information contained within the folder before you delete it.