Deleted files keep coming back

Hi!

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Based from your information, those files you deleted that keeps on coming back and storage filling up again is almost always caused by a sync issue or another device/account re-uploading the files, not OneDrive failing on its own.

Do you still have any other device with your account and does use OneDrive?

Deleted files reappearing and repeated “storage almost full” messages indicate that the OneDrive storage quota is still exceeded (or close to it), even if files were deleted temporarily.

Key points from Microsoft storage behavior:

1. What counts against storage
   • All files and folders in OneDrive.
   • Items in the OneDrive Recycle Bin also count toward the quota.
   • Shared folders that were added to OneDrive can also push the account over quota.
2. Why deleted files may “come back” or storage looks full again
   • If files are only moved to the OneDrive Recycle Bin, they still consume storage until the Recycle Bin is emptied.
   • There can be a short delay after deleting files and emptying the Recycle Bin before the available storage number updates.
   • If there are shared folders added back or devices syncing the same content, it can look like deleted content has returned.
3. How to get reliably back under the quota
   1. Sign in to the Microsoft account and open OneDrive on the web.
   2. Select the Storage used link (lower-left corner) to see:
      • Total storage.
      • Largest files and folders.
   3. Delete large files and folders that are not needed.
   4. Go to the OneDrive Recycle Bin and select Empty your recycle bin so those items no longer count against storage.
   5. Wait a short time for the storage usage to refresh.
4. If storage is still nearly full
   • Check if any large shared folders are added to OneDrive and remove them if not needed (see “How to remove shared folders from your OneDrive” in the referenced article).
   • If the storage limit is genuinely too small for the data being kept, purchase additional storage or a Microsoft 365 subscription as described in the Microsoft storage articles.
5. Consequences of staying over quota
   • OneDrive files become read-only and new files cannot be uploaded, edited, or synced.
   • If Microsoft Unified Storage is exceeded for a long period, OneDrive content may eventually be deleted and become non‑recoverable.

If sign-in is not possible or messages say files will be erased on a certain date, sign in before that date to reactivate the account and then reduce storage as above.

References:

• My OneDrive says it's full
• Delete files or folders in OneDrive
• Microsoft storage FAQs
• Why did I get a message saying my files will be erased?