You can delete a SharePoint site through the SharePoint admin center, but the process depends on whether you own the site and what type it is

Deleting a SharePoint site removes all the documents, lists, and permissions stored there. The person who created the site or a SharePoint admin can delete it. If you are the site owner, you can start the deletion yourself. If you are not the owner, you will need to ask the site owner or your organization's SharePoint administrator to do it.

The deletion is not instant — SharePoint moves the site to a recycle bin first, where it stays for 93 days before permanent removal. This gives you time to restore it if you change your mind. After 93 days, the site and everything in it is gone for good.

Key Takeaways

  • Only the site owner or a SharePoint admin can delete a site; if you do not own it, contact the person who created it.
  • Deleted sites go to the recycle bin for 93 days before they are permanently removed, so you can restore them during that window.
  • You delete a site from the SharePoint admin center, not from within the site itself.
  • Before you delete, download or move any documents you need to keep, because deletion affects everyone who has access to that site.

How to delete a SharePoint site you own

Start by going to the SharePoint admin center. Open a web browser and go to admin.microsoft.com. Sign in with your work or school account. On the left side menu, click SharePoint, then click Sites.

You will see a list of all SharePoint sites in your organization. Find the site you want to delete and click on it. A details panel will open on the right side of the screen. At the top of that panel, click the three dots (the menu icon), then select Delete.

SharePoint will ask you to confirm. Read the warning message — it tells you that the site will be moved to the recycle bin and all site members will lose access. Click Delete again to confirm. The site is now in the recycle bin and will be permanently removed after 93 days.

What happens to documents and permissions when you delete

When you delete a SharePoint site, every document, list, calendar, and custom page stored there becomes inaccessible to everyone who had access. People cannot view, edit, or download anything from that site anymore. If other people need copies of documents before the deletion, they need to download them before you delete the site.

Permissions are also removed. If someone had access to that site only, they will no longer be able to see it in their SharePoint. If they have access to other sites or shared documents outside that site, those remain unchanged.

Files stored in a shared mailbox or Teams channel connected to the site may behave differently depending on how your organization set up those connections. If you are not sure whether other services are linked to the site, ask your SharePoint administrator before you delete.

How to restore a deleted site within 93 days

If you delete a site by mistake, you can restore it while it is in the recycle bin. Go back to the SharePoint admin center at admin.microsoft.com. Click SharePoint, then click Sites.

At the top of the sites list, click the Deleted sites tab. You will see all sites that have been deleted in the last 93 days. Find the site you want to restore and click on it. Click the three dots menu, then select Restore. The site will return to its normal state, and people will regain access.

After 93 days, the site moves to permanent deletion and cannot be restored. Mark your calendar if you think you might need the site later.

If you do not own the site

If you did not create the site, you cannot delete it yourself. You need to contact the person who owns it or your organization's SharePoint administrator. The site owner is usually listed in the site settings or in the site members list.

When you ask the owner to delete the site, explain why you want it deleted. They may want to check with other team members first, especially if the site is used by a group. Give them time to back up any documents before the deletion happens.

If you cannot find the site owner or they are no longer with your organization, contact your SharePoint administrator or IT department. They have the authority to delete sites even if the original owner is unavailable.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is deleting a site without telling the people who use it. Even if you own the site, other people may have documents stored there or rely on it for their work. Send a message to all site members at least a week before you delete, and give them time to move or download what they need.

Another common mistake is confusing a site with a single document library or folder. If you only want to remove one folder or document, do not delete the entire site — delete just that item instead. Deleting the site removes everything.

Do not assume that deleting a site deletes it everywhere. If the site is connected to a Microsoft Teams channel or a shared mailbox, those connections may need separate cleanup. Check with your administrator if you are not sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete a site if I am not the owner?

No, only the site owner or a SharePoint admin can delete a site. Contact the person who created the site and ask them to delete it, or reach out to your IT department if the owner is unavailable.

What happens to files after I delete a site?

Files are moved to the recycle bin for 93 days. During that time, you can restore the entire site and get the files back. After 93 days, the files are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

Will deleting a site affect Teams or Outlook?

If the SharePoint site is connected to a Teams channel or shared mailbox, deleting the site may affect those services. Check with your administrator before you delete to understand what is connected to the site.

How long does it take to delete a site?

The deletion happens right away, and the site moves to the recycle bin immediately. People lose access as soon as you confirm the deletion. Permanent removal happens automatically after 93 days.

Can I delete just one document instead of the whole site?

Yes. Go into the site, find the document or folder you want to remove, and delete it from there. You do not need to delete the entire site unless you want to remove everything in it.