How to allow editing inside a SharePoint folder but prevent users from deleting the folder itself?

Dear @Francisco José Gómez-Caldito Viseas, 

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

I understand you're trying to allow users to manage content within a subfolder in SharePoint without giving them the ability to delete the folder itself.  

In SharePoint, permission levels such as Edit inherently include the ability to delete items, which unfortunately applies to both files and folders. There is no built-in permission level that allows file deletion but restricts folder deletion. If users have delete permissions, they can also remove folders, as folders are treated as items in SharePoint. 

You might consider setting permissions to allow editing but not deleting items as a workaround. Unfortunately, this will also prevent users from deleting items within the child folder, and vice versa. 

Step 1: Break permission inheritance 

Navigate to the Child Folder. 

Click Manage Access > The three-dot icon > Advanced settings. 

Select Stop Inheriting Permissions. 

Step 2: Create a custom permission level 

Go to Site Permissions > Permission Levels. 

Click “Add a Permission Level” or “Copy Permission Level” from Edit. 

Uncheck the following options:  

• Delete Items 
• Delete Versions (Optional) 

Save the new permission level. 

Step 3: Assign custom permissions 

Navigate to the Child Folder. 

Click Manage Access > The three-dot icon > Advanced settings. 

Select the users or groups, then choose Edit Permissions. 

Select the checkbox for the new permission level you created. 

This configuration allows users to add or edit files while preventing deletion of the folder itself.

I completely understand how the limitations of custom permissions can feel challenging, especially when you need features like adjusting user rights to delete items within a subfolder but not the folder itself. It’s not just about aesthetics; these differences can genuinely affect how smoothly you work and navigate your day.  

As a forum moderator, I hope you understand that I don’t have the ability to modify or escalate product issues directly. However, I strongly recommend submitting your feedback through the Microsoft 365 Feedback Hub. This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.  

Once you've submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here in the comments. I’ll be happy to upvote it to help bring more visibility.  

Additionally, since many other users have expressed similar concerns but may not know where to submit feedback, if my response has helped you better understand the situation, please mark it as the “Accepted Answer” Your action will help pin this post to the top, making it easier for others in the community who are experiencing the same issue to find your feedback and support it.  

Thank you again for your time and for raising this important usability concern. 

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