How to Empty the Purges Folder in Office 365
In the world of digital productivity, Office 365 has become an indispensable tool for many businesses and individuals. One of the key features of Office 365 is its robust document management system, which includes a variety of folders and subfolders to help users organize their files. However, one of these folders, known as the “Purges” folder, can sometimes become cluttered with unnecessary files. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to empty the Purges folder in Office 365, ensuring that your document management system remains efficient and organized.
Understanding the Purges Folder
The Purges folder in Office 365 is a special folder that automatically stores deleted items from your main document libraries. This folder is designed to protect you from accidental deletions by providing a safe haven for these files. However, over time, the Purges folder can accumulate a large number of files, taking up valuable storage space and potentially causing performance issues.
Steps to Empty the Purges Folder
To empty the Purges folder in Office 365, follow these simple steps:
1. Log in to your Office 365 account and navigate to the SharePoint site where your Purges folder is located.
2. Once you have accessed the SharePoint site, locate the Purges folder.
3. Right-click on the Purges folder and select “Properties” from the context menu.
4. In the Properties window, click on the “Advanced Settings” button.
5. In the Advanced Settings dialog box, scroll down to the “Delete unused files” section and select “Yes, delete files that have been in the recycle bin for more than 30 days.”
6. Click “OK” to save your changes.
7. Right-click on the Purges folder again and select “Delete.”
8. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Alternative Methods to Empty the Purges Folder
If the above steps do not work or you prefer a different approach, you can try the following alternative methods:
1. Use PowerShell: Open PowerShell and run the following command: `Remove-SPOTenantRecycleBinItem -SiteUrl
2. Manually delete files: Navigate to the Purges folder and manually delete the files you want to remove. Be cautious when doing this, as you will not be able to recover these files once they are deleted.
Conclusion
Emptying the Purges folder in Office 365 is an essential task to maintain an efficient and organized document management system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily remove unnecessary files from the Purges folder and free up valuable storage space. Remember to regularly review and empty the Purges folder to ensure optimal performance and organization of your Office 365 documents.
