---
title: Device soft delete in Microsoft Entra ID
description: Learn about device soft delete in Microsoft Entra ID, which moves deleted devices to a recoverable state instead of permanently removing them.
author: Justinha
ms.author: justinha
ms.service: entra-id
---
# Device soft delete overview
Device soft delete is a recoverability feature in Microsoft Entra ID that moves deleted device objects to a suspended state instead of permanently removing them. When a device is soft deleted, the Azure Device Registration Service (ADRS) de-registers the device and moves the device object into a separate soft-deleted container in the directory. The device is removed from active device lists but remains recoverable for up to 30 days.
This feature helps prevent accidental loss of important device data, such as BitLocker recovery keys and Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) passwords. It also reduces the risk of hitting tenant object quotas from orphaned device objects and provides an undo option for device deletions, similar to how soft delete works for users and groups.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> Device soft delete is currently in public preview. Some features and behaviors might change before general availability.
## How device soft delete works
---
title: Device soft delete in Microsoft Entra ID (preview)
description: Learn about device soft delete (preview) in Microsoft Entra ID, which moves deleted devices to a recoverable state instead of permanently removing them.
author: Justinha
ms.author: justinha
ms.service: entra-id
---
# Device soft delete overview (preview)
Device soft delete is a recoverability feature in Microsoft Entra ID that moves deleted device objects to a suspended state instead of permanently removing them. When a device is soft deleted, the Azure Device Registration Service (ADRS) de-registers the device and moves the device object into a separate soft-deleted container in the directory. The device is removed from active device lists but remains recoverable for up to 30 days.
This feature helps prevent accidental loss of important device data, such as BitLocker recovery keys and Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) passwords. It also reduces the risk of hitting tenant object quotas from orphaned device objects and provides an undo option for device deletions, similar to how soft delete works for users and groups.
[!INCLUDE [preview-alert](~/../docs/reusable-content/ce-skilling/azure/includes/entra-previews.md)]
> [!IMPORTANT]
> Device soft delete is currently in preview. Some features and behaviors might change before general availability.