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.

How to Fix Documents and Downloads Not Deleting from Microsoft 365

Here, I summarize 4 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. Use MiniTool Partition Wizard

If you want to permanently delete documents and downloads from Microsoft 365, I highly suggest you use MiniTool Partition Wizard. It can help you search for specific files and delete them according to their name and file type after analyzing your hard disk. To do that:

MiniTool Partition Wizard FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1. In the main interface, click Space Analyzer from the top toolbar.

Step 2. Select the drive where you install Microsoft 365 from the drop-down menu and click on Scan.

Step 3. When the scanning process is complete, go to the File View tab, type the file name in the search box, and click Apply. Then right-click it and select Delete (permanently). At this time, the “unable to delete Word documents” issue should be solved.

Way 2. 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 3. 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 4. 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.