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](https://developercommunity.visualstudio.com/content/problem/324411/deleting-a-build-pipeline-does-not-work.html)

Answer: 
You can also just temporarily choose to retain nothing, then delete what you want, then revert.

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/JSsVk.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/JSsVk.jpg)
You just need to click on three dots menu button and select delete then it will make sure that you know what you are actually doing, check the "
Automatically cancel any in-progress release deployments" and remove it

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/f9dZw.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/f9dZw.png)