FIX: Object Is Protected From Accidental Deletion. You Do Not Have ...

Author: Konstantinos Tsoukalas , Last updated: May 12th, 2025

If you try to delete an OU or an object in Active Directory, and you receive the error "You do not have sufficient rights or object is protected from accidental deletion", continue reading below. The error "You do not sufficient privileges to delete this object, or this object is protected from accidental deletion" may occur in Active Directory for the following reasons:

1. The AD user you use to delete the object does not have enough permissions to make changes on the Active Directory. (e.g. doesn't belong to "Domain Admins" Group.)
2. The object you try to delete (e.g. OU, Group, User), is protected from accidental deletion.
3. A Virus or other program has modified the default permissions on the object you try to delete.

How to FIX: You do not have Sufficient privileges to delete OU, or Object is protected from accidental deletion on Active Directory Server 2008, 2012 & 2016.

Method 1. Un-Protect Object from Accidental Deletion. *

* Important: Make sure that the AD user you use to delete the object, is a member of Domain Admins group.

1. Open Active Directory Users and Computers 2. From View menu, click Advanced Features.

3. Right-click on the object that you want to delete and select Properties.

4. Uncheck the Protect object from accidental deletion checkbox and click OK. *

* Note: If the checkbox is already unchecked proceed to method-2.

5. Try to delete the object now. If you still receive the error, proceed to method-2.

Method 2. Restore the Default Permissions on the Object.

1. Open Active Directory Users and Computers 2. From View menu, click Advanced Features.

3. Right-click on the object that you cannot delete and select Properties. 4. Select the Security tab and click Advanced.

5. At 'Advanced Security Settings', click Restore Defaults.

6. Click OK twice to close the object's properties. 7. Delete the object.

That’s it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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Konstantinos TsoukalasKonstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.). Latest posts by Konstantinos Tsoukalas (see all)

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