Forum Discussion
Restrict users from Deletion
Right now users can delete file from this library. How can I restrict users from deleting?
There is no SharePoint default permission level which allows add/edit but not delete existing files.
Workaround:
You need to create a custom Permission level in SharePoint. This will be a copy of your existing permission level minus Delete Items permission. Follow below steps to achieve this:
- Click Site settings > (Go to top level site settings) > Users and Permissions > Site permissions.
- Click Permission Level, and we can customize a new permission level based on the existing ones.
- Open the Edit permission level, and click Copy Permission Level on the bottom.
- Give the name for the new permission level, and uncheck the Delete Items options. You can also remove other permissions that are unnecessary, such as Delete Versions.
- Click Create to create the permission level.
- Use this permission level to assign the permissions to users
Reference: SharePoint online site permissions add but not delete
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12 Replies
There is no SharePoint default permission level which allows add/edit but not delete existing files.
Workaround:
You need to create a custom Permission level in SharePoint. This will be a copy of your existing permission level minus Delete Items permission. Follow below steps to achieve this:
- Click Site settings > (Go to top level site settings) > Users and Permissions > Site permissions.
- Click Permission Level, and we can customize a new permission level based on the existing ones.
- Open the Edit permission level, and click Copy Permission Level on the bottom.
- Give the name for the new permission level, and uncheck the Delete Items options. You can also remove other permissions that are unnecessary, such as Delete Versions.
- Click Create to create the permission level.
- Use this permission level to assign the permissions to users
Reference: SharePoint online site permissions add but not delete
Please click Mark as Best Response if my post helped you to solve your issue. This will help others to find the correct solution easily. It also closes the item. If the post was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Like.
This is great and works for SharePoint, but when files are access through Teams (where only 2 permission levels exist - Owner or Member) they are still able to delete. If they go directly to the SharePoint deletion is restricted. ??
Hi ganeshsanap ,
I also want the user to not be able to delete files. But after I did this step, it's true that the user can't delete it anymore. However, the user also cannot rename files, give file names when creating files, and cannot move files to other folders. Is it really like that?
IrvanR Unfortunately, this is by design in SharePoint. In order to rename or move files, you need delete permissions on the files / document library.
More information:
- Rename a file - Without Delete permission
- Permission Level which doesn't allow renaming file in document library
- Why delete permission is required to rename a document in SP Document Library?
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ganeshsanap These instructions are not correct or helpful at all.
pweber1185 Do you know any other way to achieve what OP asked for? If yes, you can shared it with community members here.
You have to create a custom permission level for this requirements. Steps might not be accurate based on which experience you are using (modern or classic).
You can go to advanced permissions settings page of site collection using URL in below format and create a new permission level as per your requirements and then use it to grant permissions to groups/users:
https://contoso.sharepoint.com/sites/siteName/_layouts/15/user.aspxPlease consider giving Like if my post helped you in any way.
