---
title: "OneDrive Cleanup Tips"
type: "wiki"
space: "IT Services"
author: "Nadine Chautilal"
created: 2025-01-06T18:30:19Z
updated: 2025-01-29T18:47:29Z
tags: ["storage"]
url: "https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/wiki/view/15313/onedrive-cleanup-tips"
---

# OneDrive Cleanup Tips

**IMPORTANT**

As of Dec. 20, 2024 your OneDrive storage was reduced to 1GB as mentioned in the [announcement](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/112/mynews/articles/student-news/15101/microsoft-changing-onedrive-storage-limits-for-students-on-dec-20) on Dec. 5, 2024.

###   Step 1   Check Storage

Once you [confirm that your OneDrive storage](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/manage-your-onedrive-for-work-or-school-storage-31519161-059c-4764-b6f8-f5cd29f7fe68) is less than 1GB, proceed to step 2. If you encounter any difficulties deleting files send an email to the [Service Desk](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/190/support/wiki/view/1473/contact-its).  Upon receiving a detailed response from Service Desk you will be given 48-hours to purge your files to 1GB or lower then proceed to Step 2.

###   Step 2   Logging into OneDrive from the Web

1. Go to your [OneDrive](https://seneca-my.sharepoint.com/my)and sign in with your Seneca credentials.

###   Step 3   Transfer Personal Files to a Designated Personal Storage Location 

OneDrive is intended for Seneca business use. It is suggested to avoid storing non-organizational files on your Seneca OneDrive for the following reasons:

- Save allocated storage space.
- Prevent losing files.

For semi-private files \(e.g., CVs or payslips\) stored on Seneca OneDrive, you can do the following:

- Create a top-level folder named "Personal".
- Simplifies copying files when needed.
- Helps track the space these files occupy.

![](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=tGeIR9C0aBldxwGz0yUBWg%3D%3D)

#### Suggested personal storage:

- Cloud Storage
- External hard drive
- USB flash drive

###   Step 4  Archive or Delete Obsolete Files from OneDrive

You can delete individual files or photos, or entire folders with all their contents, from Microsoft OneDrive. If needed, you can restore deleted files from the OneDrive recycle bin. You can archive or delete old files by:

- [Managing OneDrive for work storage](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/manage-your-onedrive-for-work-or-school-storage-31519161-059c-4764-b6f8-f5cd29f7fe68)
- [Deleting files or folders in OneDrive](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/delete-files-or-folders-in-onedrive-21fe345a-e488-4fa7-932b-f053c1bebe8a#ID0EBH=Web)

###   Step 5   Empty the Recycle Bin

In OneDrive, there are two folders where deleted items go the **Recycle Bin** and **Second stage recycle bin**. When files are deleted from OneDrive, it goes to the Recycle Bin and stays there before being removed. During this time, you can [restore the files](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/restore-deleted-files-or-folders-in-onedrive-949ada80-0026-4db3-a953-c99083e6a84f) to their original location or delete them permanently to free up space.

    - Clear the Recycle Bin monthly.
    - Deleted items can be retrieved within 30 days, if needed.
    - An empty Recycle Bin makes it easier to locate accidentally deleted items.

#### Recycle bin

![](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=ci9MM2DSYASTSwdwvGAKTA%3D%3D)

#### Second stage recycle bin

![](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=fLLBXAM7hbMViIjYSwuk0Q%3D%3D)

![](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=2WhOhfVVQbsWuUEy%2BdlmUQ%3D%3D)

### Perform Annual Cleanup

- File maintenance should be an ongoing practice, not a one-time task.
- Schedule regular file reviews, ideally once a year.
- Delete outdated drafts and unnecessary versions to keep files up to date.

### Resources

- [FAQs](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/186/it-services/forums/15316/onedrive-frequently-asked-questions)

## Attachments

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