I don’t know why Microsoft didn’t clarify the situation before now, but at least it’s done. Note: Once OneDrive has been unlinked/uninstalled, you can safely delete any leftover files on your computer. The examples Microsoft gave in January (such as large architectural or design documents) always seemed to be more focused on business rather than consumers. To clarify, Microsoft issued message center notification MC241870 on February 26 to confirm that it applies to OneDrive for Business ( Microsoft 365 roadmap item 70558). When Microsoft announced the increased 250 GB limit for file synchronization in January, some confusion existed whether the limit applied only to OneDrive consumer or to both variants. That 250 GB Limit is for Business Customers Too Open the OneDrive website in a web browser and find the file or folder you want to delete. In any case, the warning (aka, “helpful hint”) is now present. Given the Known Folder Move initiative to relocate files from local drives to OneDrive, it’s entirely possible that some users are confused when they can’t find deleted files in the local recycle bin.

The question is whether they’ll remember thereafter. This is very possible for the two weeks after someone sees the warning. The hope must be that users will remember after they’re reminded by this warning.

My assumption is that Microsoft’s telemetry and support data shows that people have deleted items in the past and haven’t known how the OneDrive recycle bin works. The nagging continues until the user sets the “don’t show this reminder again” checkbox. Figure 1: OneDrive’s First File Delete warning

Onedrive deleting my files