Build pipeline does not delete

Question

In the Azure DevOps portal, I select a pipeline, then the [...] menu, then Delete.

I see a message asking:

Are you sure? This action cannot be undone. This will permanently delete the pipeline 'vt3e (1)'. Deletion includes all builds and associated artifacts.

I type in the pipeline name and click OK but the pipeline does not delete.

I have waited some hours.

[Update]

F12 in Chrome shows an error in the console:

ms.vss-build-web.common-library.__y__CePsj5f5zdcIK.min.js:18 Error: One or more builds associated with the requested pipeline(s) are retained by a release. The pipeline(s) and builds will not be deleted

[Update]

I am trying to follow the answer given by David D, but when I go to delete a release I get a message

VS402946: 'Release-8' cannot be deleted as it is currently deployed on stage(s) Stage 1.

[update]

The issue is logged at Microsoft

Answer 1

I was having the same problem and tried different browsers, platforms etc. I found that by removing each release manually under the releases tab, going back to build and then trying to delete the pipeline again worked for me.

Answer 2

If you have deleted the release in question, but you still get this error, the solve for it is:

1. Go to the build pipeline in question.
2. Under the 'Runs' tab, open each "run" individually
3. If a run is being retained, you'll see a white box at the top with verbiage like "This run has been retained forever by 82 (Pipeline)" and to right, you'll see a button "View Retention Releases". That's where you'll delete the one or more retention releases.
4. You'll have to go through each "run" and repeat this process

If that white box/button isn't visible, that particular run isn't retained. You can confirm so by clicking the three dots in the top right corner and selecting "view retention releases"