Microsoft Word documents are essential for everything from writing essays to managing professional reports. But over time, these files can pile up on your computer or cloud storage. If you’re wondering how to delete Word documents safely and completely, whether on Windows, Mac, or cloud platforms like OneDrive, this 2025 guide has you covered.
Learn how to remove unwanted documents in a few quick steps across all major platforms and devices.
Why You Might Want to Delete Word Documents
There are plenty of reasons you may choose to delete Word documents:
You no longer need the file
You want to clear storage space
The file contains outdated or incorrect information
You created duplicate copies during editing
You’re organizing your folders for better productivity
Whatever the reason, the method you choose will depend on where the document is stored.
How to Delete Word Documents on Windows
Most Word documents on Windows are stored in folders like Documents, Desktop, or Downloads.
Steps:
- Open File Explorer (Windows + E)
- Navigate to the folder where the document is saved
- Right-click the Word document you want to delete
- Select Delete from the menu
- The file moves to the Recycle Bin
To permanently delete the document:
- Right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop
- Choose Empty Recycle Bin
- Confirm when prompted
Or, press Shift + Delete while selecting the document to skip the Recycle Bin and delete it instantly.
How to Delete Word Documents on Mac
If you’re using macOS, deleting Word files is also easy.
Steps:
- Open the Finder
- Navigate to the folder containing your Word file
- Click the file once to select it
- Press Command + Delete
- The file is moved to the Trash
To remove it permanently:
- Right-click the Trash icon
- Select Empty Trash
- Confirm deletion
Remember, the Trash must be emptied manually to fully remove the file from your Mac.
How to Delete Word Documents in Microsoft Word App
If you’re in the Microsoft Word app and want to delete a file directly from the recent documents list:
On Windows or Mac:
- Open Microsoft Word
- Go to the Home tab
- Under Recent, right-click the document you want to remove
- Click Remove from list
Note: This only removes the file from the recent list, not your hard drive. You’ll need to delete the actual file from its saved location using File Explorer or Finder.
How to Delete Word Documents from OneDrive
If your Word files are saved in the cloud using OneDrive, follow these steps:
On a web browser:
- Visit onedrive.live.com
- Sign in with your Microsoft account
- Navigate to the folder containing your document
- Select the file
- Click the Delete icon on the toolbar
- Confirm deletion
Deleted files go to the OneDrive Recycle Bin, where you can restore or permanently delete them.
To permanently delete:
- Go to Recycle Bin from the left sidebar
- Select the document again
- Click Delete Permanently
How to Delete Word Documents on iPhone or iPad
If you’re using the Word app on your mobile device:
- Open the Microsoft Word app
- Tap Open and find the document (OneDrive or On My iPhone)
- Tap the three-dot menu next to the file
- Select Delete
- Confirm the deletion
To permanently remove it from Files app:
- Open the Files app
- Go to the folder where it’s stored
- Tap and hold the file
- Select Delete
- Go to Recently Deleted to remove it forever
How to Delete Word Documents on Android
On Android, Word documents may be saved locally or in cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive.
To delete from internal storage:
- Open the File Manager app
- Navigate to the folder where the document is saved
- Long-press the document
- Tap the Trash icon or Delete
- Confirm deletion
To delete from Word mobile app:
- Open the Word app
- Go to the Recent tab
- Tap the three dots next to the document
- Select Delete
How to Delete Word Documents from Google Drive (If Synced)
If you use Google Drive to store or back up Word documents:
- Go to drive.google.com
- Find the Word file
- Right-click and select Remove
- Go to Trash
- Right-click again and choose Delete forever
This ensures the file is fully deleted from the cloud and cannot be restored.
Tips Before Deleting Word Documents
Double-check that the file isn’t needed for future reference
Backup important documents before removal
Organize files into folders to make identifying deletable ones easier
Use cloud storage options like OneDrive or Google Drive for easier recovery if deleted by mistake
FAQs About Deleting Word Documents
Can I recover a deleted Word document?
Yes, if it’s still in the Recycle Bin (Windows), Trash (Mac), or Recently Deleted (mobile). Once emptied, recovery is harder and may require software.
Does deleting a Word file from OneDrive delete it from my computer?
Only if it’s a synced file. If the file was stored locally and not synced, it remains on your hard drive.
How do I delete multiple Word files at once?
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) and click multiple files. Then press Delete or Move to Trash.
Does uninstalling Word delete my documents?
No. Your documents are stored separately from the app and remain on your device unless you delete them manually.
How do I permanently delete a Word document?
Delete it, then empty the Recycle Bin, Trash, or cloud trash (OneDrive/Google Drive) to erase it permanently.