How to Delete Files on Microsoft 365: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever felt the frustration of a cluttered virtual workspace? We’ve all been there, staring at that mess of files in Microsoft 365 and wondering how to tidy things up. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Today, we’ll dive into how to delete files on Microsoft 365 and help you keep your digital life organized.

Deleting files in Microsoft 365 is straightforward whether you’re using OneDrive, Word, or Excel. Simply opening File Explorer, selecting the files, and pressing the Delete key will do the trick. Want to delete multiple files? Just hold down the CTRL key (Windows) or Command key (Mac) while you click on them.

Plus, for those of us with a subscription, the benefits extend beyond just storage. With access to various training courses and active community forums, there’s always help available to ensure you’re making the most of Microsoft 365’s features. Let’s get our virtual space as neat as our desk!

How to Delete Files on Microsoft 365

Deleting files on Microsoft 365 is pretty straightforward, but there are a few ways to do it depending on where your files are stored.

From OneDrive

If your files are saved in OneDrive, you can delete them easily:

1. Open OneDrive: Go to the OneDrive website or app.
2. Select Files: Click the checkbox next to the files or folders you want to delete.
3. Delete: Click the “Delete” button at the top.

Using File Explorer

Want a more traditional approach? We’ve got you covered:

1. Open File Explorer: Navigate to the folder containing your files.
2. Select Files: Hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (Mac) and click the files.
3. Press Delete Key: Or right-click the selected files and choose “Delete.”

From Microsoft 365 Apps

Sometimes, it’s simpler to delete files from within the app itself.

Deleting from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

1. Open the App: Launch Word, Excel, or whichever Microsoft 365 app you’re using.
2. File Open: Go to File > Open.
3. Browse: Navigate to the file location.
4. Delete: Right-click the file and choose “Delete,” or select the file and press the Delete key.

For Shared Files

Shared files in places like SharePoint require an extra step:

1. Go to File Location: Open the shared directory.
2. Select and Delete: Choose the file and click “Delete.” Confirm if prompted.

Deleting files accidentally? No worries. You can always recover them from the OneDrive Recycle Bin.

Easy peasy, right? 😎 Happy decluttering!

Steps to Delete Files

Deleting files on Microsoft 365 is simple once you know the steps. Let’s guide you through it.

First, if we’re using a computer, we need to browse to the location where our files are stored. We can use File Explorer on Windows by pressing the Windows key + E. On a Mac, we can use Finder.

Next, locate the file or folder we want to delete. This could be a Word document, an Excel sheet, or another type of document. Once we find the file, click on it to select it.

For deleting multiple files, we can hold down the Ctrl key on Windows or the Command key on Mac while clicking on each file.

Now, press the Delete key on our keyboard, or right-click the file and choose Delete from the menu.

Sometimes, our files are in shared folders like on OneDrive or SharePoint. If this is the case, we will need to right-click the file and select Delete, then confirm our choice.

If we accidentally delete a file, it might be in the Recycle Bin. We can restore our file from there by opening the Recycle Bin, finding our file, and clicking Restore.

Deleting files through the Microsoft 365 web browser follows a different path. We need to go to the specific Microsoft 365 web page, like OneDrive, and find the file. Hovering over it will reveal a checkbox or a three-dot menu where the Delete option is available.

In web applications like Word Online or Excel Online, look for the file menu and find the delete option from there.

Simple steps, but they make our digital life cleaner and more organized. Let’s keep our files tidy!

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Deleting files in Microsoft 365 can sometimes be a bit tricky. Here are some common issues and tips to fix them.

One of the most common problems is when files don’t delete as expected. This can be because of:

• Retention Policies: Some files are under retention. Check with your admin.
• Shared Folders: If files are in SharePoint, you might need special permissions.

If you accidentally delete something, don’t worry! We’ve all been there. To restore files, check the OneDrive Recycle Bin or SharePoint Recycle Bin.

Some files seem like they have a mind of their own. If that’s the case, try these tips:

1. Use the Keyboard: Select the file and press the Delete key.
2. Go Incognito: Sometimes, using a private browser helps.

If you need an older version, Microsoft 365 has got your back. Check out the Previous Versions feature. Right-click on the file name and select “Version History” to restore an earlier copy.

Deleting files in Microsoft 365 can be challenging, but with these tips, we’re sure you’ll manage it like a pro!