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: 
[enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/l45db.png)[enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/cxXZT.png)I have facing same below issue

**One or more builds associated with the requested pipeline(s) are retained by a release. The pipeline(s) and builds will not be deleted.**

It is simple to solve this, just open the pipeline which you want to delete and if you have seen this in your pipeline just click on three dots [View Retention leases]and open the View retention leases and click on Remove all option and close the pop-up.[Run retention]. Once you perform this action you're now free to go and delete the pipeline which you want.
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)