Merge pull request #9715 from dikshau56/docs-editor/cannot-delete-sites-protected-1757924805

AB#7897: Update cannot-delete-sites-protected-by-microsoft365-backup.md

Author: Cloud-Writer

SharePoint/SharePointOnline/sites/cannot-delete-sites-protected-by-microsoft365-backup.md

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 ---
 title: Site is protected by Microsoft 365 Backup and can't be deleted
 manager: dcscontentpm
-ms.date: 07/31/2024
+ms.date: 10/23/2025
 audience: Admin
 ms.topic: troubleshooting
 search.appverid: 
@@ -10,13 +10,14 @@ search.appverid:
 appliesto: 
   - Microsoft 365 Backup
   - SharePoint Online
-  - OneDrive for Business
+  - OneDrive
 ms.custom: 
   - sap:Microsoft 365 Backup\ODSP
   - CI 193688
+  - CI 7897
   - CSSTroubleshoot
 ms.reviewer: salarson
-description: Describes an error that occurs when you try to delete a SharePoint or OneDrive for Business site that's protected by Microsoft 365 Backup. Provides steps to submit a service request to Microsoft.
+description: Provides a resolution for an error that occurs when you try to delete a SharePoint or OneDrive site that's protected by Microsoft 365 Backup.
 ---
 
 # "Site is protected by Microsoft 365 Backup and cannot be deleted" error
@@ -29,20 +30,8 @@ You try to permanently delete a site from the [SharePoint admin center](https://
 
 ## Cause  
 
-This error occurs because the site is actively protected or was protected in the past 365 days by [Microsoft 365 Backup](/microsoft-365/backup/?view=o365-worldwide&preserve-view=true). To be able to delete a site, the site backup has to be deleted. However, Microsoft 365 Backup can't delete the backups of specific SharePoint or OneDrive for Business sites. This behavior is designed to prevent malicious actors from deleting backups that are intended to quickly restore data if it's compromised.
+This error occurs because the site is actively protected or was protected in the past 365 days by [Microsoft 365 Backup](/microsoft-365/backup/?view=o365-worldwide&preserve-view=true). To be able to delete a site, the site backup has to be deleted. However, Microsoft 365 Backup can't delete the backups of specific SharePoint or OneDrive sites. This behavior is designed to prevent malicious actors from deleting backups that are intended to quickly restore data if it's compromised.
 
 ## Resolution  
 
-To delete the backup of the site that you want to delete, use the following steps to submit a support request to Microsoft:
-
-1. Sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin center by using your administrator credentials.
-1. Navigate to the following URL:  
-
-   [https://aka.ms/ProtectedSiteDeletion](https://aka.ms/ProtectedSiteDeletion)
-
-   This link populates the "Microsoft 365 Backup Protected Site" query in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
-1. Select **Contact support**, and then select a contact method.
-1. Leave the prepopulated **Title** field as is and the **Description** field blank.
-1. Fill in the other required fields, and then select **Contact me**.
-
-When Microsoft Support contacts you about the service request, provide the site URL and other relevant information. After the site's backup is deleted, you can delete the site.
+To delete backups of specific SharePoint sites, mailboxes, or OneDrive sites, use the steps listed in [Offboarding specific sites, mailboxes, or users](/microsoft-365/backup/backup-offboarding#offboarding-specific-sites-mailboxes-or-users&preserve-view=true).