How do I as Group Owner delete a Group but get all Documents into un-shared Business OneDrive?

Hi @Julie Davis, 

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.  

I understand you're preparing to close your business and would like to delete the Microsoft 365 Group you created, while ensuring all files are safely reintegrated into your personal business OneDrive.  

Please note before proceeding: 

• Preserving Folder Structure & Metadata: Using Microsoft’s built-in tools like “Move to” helps maintain folder structure and version history. 
• Ownership & Permissions: Once files are in OneDrive, they become private to you and lose any group-based sharing. 
• File Volume & Size: Manual methods work well for small to moderate data. For large volumes, automation may be better. 
• Group Deletion Timeline: Deleted Groups are retained for 30 days (“soft-delete”), allowing recovery if needed. It’s best to complete migration before deletion. 

Here are my recommendations: 

1/ Inventory and access group files 

• Access via SharePoint:  
  • Open the Group’s SharePoint site via Teams (“Open in SharePoint” from the Files tab) or Outlook (Group > Files). 
  • Verify visibility of all folders: Documents, Attachments, Confidential files, etc. 
• If “Documents from Group” Isn’t Visible:  
  • Go to OneDrive web (signed in with your work account). 
  • Click Shared > Shared with us or navigate to the Group’s library via Shared libraries. 
• Ensure Ownership/Access:  
  • As the Group Owner, you should have full control. 
  • If using automated tools, Site Owner or admin privileges may be required. 

2/ There are two approaches you should be aware of for completing this task. 

Option 1 - Manual approach (recommended for small business) 

A. Using SharePoint “move to”: 

• In the Group’s SharePoint document library:  
  • Select top-level folders (e.g., Documents, Attachments). 
  • Click “Move to” in the command bar. 
• Choose your OneDrive as the destination (look for “Your OneDrive” or browse to your user folder). 
• Confirm the move. 

This method preserves folder structure, metadata, and version history. 

B. Download & upload (if “move to” isn’t available): 

• Download folders/files from SharePoint (as ZIP or via OneDrive sync). 
• Upload them to OneDrive (drag-drop in web or File Explorer). 

This method loses version history and requires manual re-uploading. 

Option 2 - Automated approach (for large data sets) 

• PowerShell with SharePoint PnP:  
  • Use Move-PnPFolder or similar scripts to copy files from the Group site to OneDrive. 
  • Requires connecting to both source and target with credentials. 

3/ Preserve folder Structure & verify content 

• The “Move to” method keeps the hierarchy intact. 
• Your OneDrive will now have folders like a_ttachments_, c_onfidential files_, etc., as they were. 
• After migration, compare a few folders to ensure all files moved correctly. 

Note: Any previous shared links will break after the move. Since you’re deleting the Group, this is expected. If needed, re-share important files from OneDrive. 

4/ Addressing visibility issues post-migration 

Once files are in OneDrive, they are under your control. If you don’t see them in certain apps: 

• In OneDrive web or mobile, use the Files view (not “Shared”). 
• In Teams, go to Files > OneDrive and ensure it’s your account. 
• In File Explorer, make sure the OneDrive sync client is running and the folder is selected for sync. 

The original Group’s “Documents from Group” entry in OneDrive’s Shared view will likely disappear once the files are moved or the Group is deleted. 

5/ Delete the Group 

After confirming file migration: 

• Delete the Microsoft 365 Group via:  
  • Outlook interface 
  • Azure AD 
  • Microsoft 365 Admin Center 

Deletion triggers a 30-day retention period. During this time, the site and mailbox are recoverable. If satisfied with the transfer, you can let it lapse or permanently delete sooner via PowerShell. 

• Check OneDrive: The moved files are now solely in your OneDrive. No one else from the old Group can access them unless you explicitly re-share. 

If you require more in-depth guidance or support for these steps, I highly recommend contacting the Microsoft technical support team who can access backend details and deeper system-level insights. Once you reach out, a live agent will contact you through your preferred method and assist you step by step until your issue is fully resolved.  

You can open a support request through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.

Please understand for us that as a community moderator we do not have access to the tools or permissions required to investigate and resolve this issue in depth. That said, I’m here to support you in preparing the information needed for the support team or to assist with any other questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out anytime.  

Wishing you a smooth and successful resolution.  

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