Everyone - How to Delete/Remove Files From OneDrive

This FAQ shows how to delete files or folders in OneDrive from a web browser and/or the Desktop App.

Purpose

This article outlines how to remove files and folders from OneDrive using either the web browser or desktop application. It also explains how OneDrive synchronization affects local copies of files, helping users safely manage storage while ensuring important files are retained on their devices when needed.

NOTES:

• You can delete specific files or photos from Microsoft OneDrive, or remove entire folders along with their contents. Please note that deleting items from OneDrive will also remove them from your local computer if they are synced.
• If you wish to retain a file or folder on your local device, right-click the item and select "Always keep on this device", or move or copy the file(s) to a different location on your computer before deleting them from OneDrive.

 

Process

Web Browser:

1. Navigate to OneDrive Web (https://onedrive.live.com/)
   • Note: If the link above doesn't work, Google "OneDrive Web". It will be a Microsoft web Address

 

2.  Log in using your CWI credentials

3.  Click "My files" in the left menu

4. Select the Files/Folders you wish to Delete by click the circle to the left of the file/folder

6.  Right click over the file and select "Delete" OR hit the Delete key on your keyboard

7.  To permanently delete the files, select the "Recycle bin" in the left menu

8.  Click "Empty Recycle Bin"
   • NOTE: Once done, you will not be able to recover the files that were deleted

 

Desktop App:

NOTES:

•  If you want to keep your files in OneDrive only, select the file(s), right-click, and select "Free up Space"

1. Navigate to File Explorer on your computer

2. Navigate to your OneDrive folder

2.  Find the file/folder you wish to delete, left click the file once to select it, select the "Delete" key on your keyboard
   • NOTE: If you want to select multiple files/folders, hold the "Shift" key while selecting them.