Fix Permanently Deleting a SharePoint Site is Greyed Out Error
This site can't be permanently deleted because it's connected to a Microsoft 365 group.
Error Message
This site can't be permanently deleted because it's connected to a Microsoft 365 group.
Root Cause Analysis
SharePoint admins will notice that the ‘Permanently delete’ option is greyed out in the Deleted sites section when attempting to permanently delete a group-connected team site via the SharePoint admin center.
How to Permanently Delete a SharePoint Online Site Using PowerShell
Solution - Via SharePoint PowerShell
To permanently delete the team site connected to a Microsoft 365 group, use the SharePoint Online Management Shell.
Note: Microsoft 365 groups are a key part of the collaboration structure within Microsoft 365, connecting resources like emails, files, and calendar events.
While the SharePoint admin center restricts permanent deletion, the SharePoint Online Management Shell provides the flexibility to delete Microsoft 365 group-connected sites without restrictions.
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Step 1: Install the SharePoint Online Management Shell
Run the following PowerShell cmdlet to install the SharePoint Online Management Shell:
Windows PowerShell
Install-Module -Name Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell
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Step 2: Import and Connect to the SharePoint Online Using PowerShell
Execute the following cmdlets to import and connect to the SharePoint Online PowerShell module:
Windows PowerShell
Import-Module Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell
Connect-SPOService –Url https://<Tenant>-admin.sharepoint.com
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Step 3: Permanently Delete the SharePoint Online Site
To permanently delete the site, run the cmdlet below. Replace <mention_the_URL_to_delete_the_site> with the URL of the site you want to delete.
Windows PowerShell
Remove-SPODeletedSite -Identity <mention_the_URL_to_delete_the_site>
By following the above steps, you can permanently delete the team site in SharePoint Online using the SPO Management PowerShell.
Still Need Help?
If these solutions don’t resolve your issue, feel free to leave a comment in the below ‘Discussion Forum’. We’ll assist you to the best of our ability. However, if none of the solutions worked, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for additional help.