You can delete a SharePoint site, but the process depends on whether you own it and what's stored there

Deleting a SharePoint site is straightforward if you're the site owner, but it's permanent — once deleted, the site and everything in it (documents, lists, permissions) cannot be recovered. Microsoft keeps deleted sites in a recycle bin for 93 days, but after that they're gone. Before you delete, make sure you've saved anything you need and that no one else is still using the site for active work.

The deletion process itself takes just a few clicks if you have owner permissions. If you don't own the site, you'll need to contact whoever does, or ask a SharePoint administrator to handle it. The time it takes to actually remove the site from your organization's SharePoint environment is usually a few minutes, though large sites with lots of data may take longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Only a site owner or SharePoint administrator can delete a SharePoint site; if you don't have owner permissions, you'll need to ask the person who does.
  • Deleted sites go to the recycle bin for 93 days, after which they cannot be recovered, so download or back up any documents you need first.
  • The deletion process happens in SharePoint settings under "Site Information" and requires you to type the site name to confirm.
  • If the site is part of a Microsoft 365 group, deleting the site will also delete the associated group, email, and calendar.

How to delete a SharePoint site if you own it

Go to your SharePoint site and click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner. Select Site Information from the dropdown menu. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Delete this site.

A confirmation window will appear asking you to type the site name exactly as it appears. This is a safety measure to prevent accidental deletion. Once you type the name correctly, the Delete button becomes active. Click it, and the site will be marked for deletion. The actual removal usually completes within a few minutes, though you may see the site in your SharePoint list for a short time afterward.

What happens to files and data when you delete a site

Everything stored in the site — documents, lists, pages, permissions, and version history — is deleted along with it. For the first 93 days, the site appears in your organization's Deleted Sites section, and a SharePoint administrator can restore it during that window. After 93 days, the deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

If the SharePoint site is connected to a Microsoft 365 group (meaning it has an associated email address, Teams channel, or shared calendar), deleting the site will also delete the group and all its connected services. If you only want to remove the SharePoint site but keep the group, you'll need to disconnect them first — ask your SharePoint administrator for help with this.

If you don't own the site

You cannot delete a SharePoint site unless you have owner permissions. If you need a site deleted, contact the person listed as the site owner — they usually appear at the top of the Site Information page. If you don't know who that is, ask your SharePoint administrator or your manager.

If the site owner is no longer with your organization or unreachable, a SharePoint administrator can change the ownership or delete the site directly. This typically requires a request through your IT department or help desk, and they may ask for documentation that the site is no longer needed.

Restoring a deleted site within 93 days

If you delete a site by mistake, a SharePoint administrator can restore it from the Deleted Sites section in the SharePoint admin center. This must happen within 93 days of deletion. After 93 days, the site is permanently removed and cannot be recovered.

To request a restoration, contact your SharePoint administrator or IT help desk immediately and provide the site name and the date it was deleted. They can restore the site to its original location with all content intact. Once restored, the site functions normally and can be used again.

Alternatives to deleting a site

If you're unsure about permanent deletion, consider these options instead. You can archive the site by making it read-only, which prevents new changes but keeps the content accessible. You can also restrict access by removing all members except yourself or an administrator, effectively hiding it from regular users while preserving the data.

Another option is to export the site content to a file before deletion. SharePoint administrators can use PowerShell or third-party tools to back up site documents and lists. This way, you have a copy of everything even after the site is deleted, and you can restore specific files if needed later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete a SharePoint site from my phone or tablet?

No, the delete option is only available through the web version of SharePoint. You'll need to use a computer or laptop to access Site Information and complete the deletion process.

What if I delete a site but then realize I need a document from it?

If the deletion happened within the last 93 days, ask your SharePoint administrator to restore the site. They can do this from the Deleted Sites section in the admin center. After 93 days, the site cannot be recovered.

Does deleting a SharePoint site affect Teams or Outlook?

If the site is connected to a Microsoft 365 group, deleting it will also delete the associated Teams channel, group email, and shared calendar. If the site is standalone, Teams and Outlook are not affected.

How long does it take for a deleted site to completely disappear?

The site is usually removed from view within a few minutes, but it remains in the recycle bin for 93 days. After that period, it's permanently deleted and cannot be restored.