How to delete excel files

Jack Mullen 0 Reputation points
2025-07-08T22:10:18.1833333+00:00

How to delete an excel file or a word file from files section.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
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  1. Flora-T 6,990 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-07-09T05:09:17.14+00:00

    Hi Jack Mullen

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum. Thanks for reaching out and sharing your concern.

    If you need to delete an Excel or Word file from the Files section, the steps may vary depending on where the file is saved. To proceed, please refer to the steps that correspond with your file’s location.

    If you're working in File Explorer on Windows:

    • Open the folder that contains the file.
    • Right-click the file and select Delete, or select it and press the Delete key.User's image

    If the file is stored in OneDrive or a SharePoint site (common in Microsoft 365 for Business):

    • Locate the file under the Files section via OneDrive or SharePoint in your browser.
    • Click the three dots () next to the file > Delete.

    Permissions note: You can only delete a file if you have the appropriate permissions. You don’t need to be the site owner, but you must have at least “Edit” permission on the file or folder.

    To check your permission level: Click the three dots () next to the file > Manage access.User's image 

    For further details, you may find this official article helpful: Delete a file from Microsoft 365.

    Please note: Deleted files go to the Recycle Bin (on Windows or OneDrive), where they can be restored unless permanently deleted. Most Recycle Bins retain deleted items for a limited time (typically 30 days) before automatic removal.

    I truly appreciate your inquisitive mindset. Hope the details provided will assist you effectively.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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  2. Grossman, Perry 0 Reputation points
    2025-11-13T14:46:55.45+00:00

    After pressing the three dots, I see no "Delete" option. And I see no "manage access" option.

    OneDrive_No Delete Option_Screenshot 2025-11-13 094546

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