Copilot refusing to delete files

Question

I can't get files to delete from my outlook. I'm under the Copilot page, and it shows me recent files. If I select the three dots for more options, it gives me a button to delete the file, but clicking the button doesn't do anything. The file is not open, and it is one that I created. Anyone know how to resolve this? I'm on an account managed by my employer.

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Move from Microsoft 365 and Office | Other

Answer 1

Hi Abigail Baldwin

I understand how confusing this can be, when the option is visible but doesn’t work.

In Copilot (Outlook/Microsoft 365), the Recent files list is not a file manager. The Delete option there often does nothing, particularly on employer‑managed accounts, because Copilot only shows references to files and cannot actually delete them.

To remove the file, you need to delete it from its storage location:

• Go to OneDrive for Business or the relevant SharePoint document library and delete it there.
• If the file is in a Team or shared site, you may not have permission to delete it even if you created it.
• Retention policies or sensitivity labels set by IT can also block deletion.

Once the file is deleted at the source, it will eventually disappear from Copilot’s Recent list.

If the file can’t be deleted from OneDrive or SharePoint, your IT admin will need to check permissions or retention policies.

Hope this helps clarify

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