How To Delete A Site In SharePoint
Introduction
In today’s modern SharePoint environment, businesses rely heavily on document management, team collaboration, and integration with Microsoft 365 services. A SharePoint site—whether it’s a team site, communication site, hub site, project site, or classic subsite—serves as the foundation for business collaboration. Much like a WordPress site, it requires careful management to remain relevant and secure.
Sometimes, a SharePoint Administrator, site owner, or Global Admin may need to delete a site due to outdated information, restructuring, or compliance requirements. Deleting a site affects content and subsites, document libraries, task lists, site pages, Teams channels, and Office 365 groups connected to it. That’s why it’s critical to fully understand the process, permissions, and implications. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to deleting Modern SharePoint sites, communication sites, hub sites, classic sites, and group-connected team sites.
Understanding SharePoint Site Deletion
What Happens When You Delete a SharePoint Site?
Deleting a site has far-reaching consequences across your SharePoint environment:
- Content Removal: All document libraries, custom lists, task lists, site page libraries, home pages, web parts, navigation bars, and settings are permanently deleted.
- Recycle Bin & Site Collection Recycle Bin: Deleted content first moves to the Recycle Bin and then to the Site Collection Recycle Bin, where it can be restored within the retention period.
- Retention Period: Deleted SharePoint sites remain in Deleted sites for 93 days. Microsoft 365 groups and connected resources (e.g., Outlook mailbox, Teams channels, and Planner tasks) are recoverable for 30 days.
- Site Association: If a site is connected to a hub site or another site collection, its deletion may impact associated navigation and site hierarchy.
- Version History & Policies: Files with version history, retention policies, or block download policies remain subject to compliance settings.
Table: Deletion Outcomes & Retention Periods
| Item | Deletion Outcome | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|
| Site Content & Subsites | Permanently Deleted | 93 days |
| Document Libraries & Lists | Permanently Deleted | 93 days |
| Microsoft 365 Groups (M365) | Retained | 30 days |
| Outlook Mailbox & Teams Data | Linked deletion with group | 30 days |
Permissions and Prerequisites
Who Can Delete a SharePoint Site?
Only users with the correct admin permissions can delete sites:
- Site Owners (with Full Control)
- Site Collection Administrators
- SharePoint Administrators
- Global Admins with an admin account
Checks Before Deletion
Before using the delete button, review these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Confirm Data Availability | Check Site Analytics, Activity tab, Site Inventory Tools, and Last Activity. |
| Backup Key Data | Use a third-party backup solution, Power Automate, PnP PowerShell, or cloud backup service (Google Drive, Google Photos, or Microsoft 365). |
| Notify Stakeholders | Inform site owners, admins, and users before deletion. |
| Review Compliance | Verify Retention Policies, block download policies, and site association before removal. |
Step-by-Step Guide: Deleting SharePoint Sites
A. Deleting a Classic SharePoint Site
- Navigate to the Classic site or Classic subsite.
- Select the settings (cog) → Site Settings.
- Under Site Actions, click Delete this site.
- Confirm in the warning message.
B. Deleting a Modern SharePoint Site
- Open the Modern SharePoint site.
- Select the settings icon → Site Information.
- Scroll down and click the Delete button.
- Confirm deletion of the connected Microsoft 365 group, Teams channels, and associated Office 365 resources.
C. Using the SharePoint Admin Center
- Open the Microsoft 365 Admin Center → SharePoint Admin Center (under Admin centers).
- Go to Active sites.
- Select the root site, hub site, or team site you want to remove.
- Click Delete and confirm.
D. Using SharePoint Online Management Shell
Advanced admins may prefer Cmdlet commands via SharePoint Online Management Shell or PnP PowerShell. Example:
Remove-SPOSite -Identity https://yourtenant.sharepoint.com/sites/sitename -NoWait -Confirm
This approach allows automation and integration with Power Automate workflows.
Comparison Table: Deletion Methods
| Method | Required Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classic/Modern Site Settings | Site Owner / Full Control | Accessible via Site navigation and settings. |
| SharePoint Admin Center | SharePoint Admin / Global | Best for bulk deletion of Active sites. |
| PowerShell / Cmdlets | Admin with advanced rights | Useful for scripted bulk deletions. |
Emptying Site Contents Before Deletion (Optional)
To enhance security and cleanup:
- Go to Site Contents feature.
- Manually remove document libraries, custom lists, task lists, and web parts.
- Delete pages in the site page library via the Page details pane.
- Review column headers, navigation bar, and Site hierarchy function for final clean-up.
After Deleting a Site
- Recover from Deleted Sites: Use the SharePoint Admin Center → Deleted sites to restore within 93 days.
- Recover Groups: Restore Microsoft 365 groups (M365 group/Office 365 group) within 30 days via the Teams Admin Center or Outlook mailbox.
- Check Site Inventory Tools: Ensure the site URL is no longer active in your SharePoint environment.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Delete button missing | Lack of Full Control or permissions | Verify role: site owner, admin, or Global Admin. |
| Site won’t delete | Retention Policies active | Check compliance settings in Microsoft 365. |
| Teams data still visible | Linked via Teams client | Remove association in Teams Admin Center. |
| Recovery failed | Past retention period | Consider a backup solution or third-party restore. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I recover a deleted SharePoint site? Yes, within 93 days via the Deleted sites section in the Admin Center.
- Does deleting a site affect Teams channels? Yes, Team sites connected to Teams channels are impacted.
- Can admins automate deletions? Yes, using PnP PowerShell, Cmdlet commands, and Power Automate.
- What happens to site associations? Links to hub sites or other site collections are removed.
- Do I need to empty contents first? Not required, but using the Site Contents feature improves recovery security.
Best Practices and Recommendations
- Always back up content using a cloud backup service, Google Drive, or third-party backup solution.
- Inform users, admins, and stakeholders of deletion intent.
- Use Site Analytics, Site Inventory Tools, and Activity tab to evaluate a site’s importance before deletion.
- Leverage Microsoft Viva Learning, Help articles, training courses, and Northwestern IT Service Desk resources for end-user training.
- Regularly review inactive Team Sites, Communication sites, Project sites, and Hub Sites.
Conclusion
Deleting a SharePoint site—whether a Classic site, Modern site, communication site, or hub site—is a major administrative task that requires the right permissions, preparation, and consideration of compliance policies. By following this guide and using tools such as the SharePoint Admin Center, Teams Admin Center, SharePoint Online Management Shell, and Power Automate, you can ensure a clean, compliant, and well-managed SharePoint environment.
Responsible site management ensures secure document management, collaboration, and digital workplace efficiency for your business.
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