Can’t Delete Documents and Downloads from Microsoft 365 [Fixed]

Microsoft 365, also known as Office 365, is a suite of cloud-based tools that enables you to access Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other features. However, you may encounter various issues with the service, such as the Microsoft 365 app crashing, Microsoft 365 not downloading, and the one discussed here.

If you are also unable to delete Word documents from Microsoft 365, pay attention to the following content, and you should get out of trouble.

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Why Can’t Delete Documents and Downloads from Microsoft 365

According to user reports, the “can’t delete a Word document” issue often occurs when using the Microsoft 365 app or web browser. If the documents and downloads are stored locally, you will encounter the issue when deleting them in the web-based app. Besides, the issue can be caused by conflicting tasks, a temporary glitch, or other unknown factors.

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How to Fix Documents and Downloads Not Deleting from Microsoft 365

Here, I summarize 3 feasible methods to fix the “documents and downloads not deleting from Microsoft 365” issue on Windows 10/11. Try them in order until you get the problem solved.

Way 1. End All Processes Related to Microsoft 365

Sometimes, you can’t delete documents and downloads from Microsoft 365 if there are relevant programs running in the background. Follow the guide below to end them.

Step 1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys at the same time to open Task Manager.

Step 2. Right-click the progress related to Microsoft Office and select End task. Then you can end other processes with the same steps. Once done, see if the “can’t delete a Word document” problem gets fixed.

Way 2. Delete the Files via OneDrive

As you know, the Microsoft 365 files might be synced to OneDrive. If you are using OneDrive, you can delete Word documents from it. For that:

Step 1. In Microsoft Word, navigate to File > Home, and click More documents from the bottom.

Step 2. Select OneDrive – Personal from the left side, and open Documents from the right side.

Step 3. Right-click the file you want to remove and select Delete.

Alternatively, you can open File Explorer by pressing Win + E keys, select OneDrive – Personal from the left panel, find and right-click the Word document file, and select Delete.

Way 3. Delete the Stored Files Locally

If you can’t delete documents and downloads from Microsoft 365 online via the web browser app, try deleting them locally.  Here’s how to remove documents locally.

Step 1. Open Microsoft Office, navigate to File > Home from the top left corner.

Step 2. Then you will find a list of recent document files. Right-click the file you want to remove and select Delete file > Delete.

Wrapping Things Up

How to fix it if you can’t delete documents and downloads from Microsoft 365? Now, I believe you know the answer. Don’t forget to share this post with your friends if they have the same trouble.