how to delete documents word 5

How To Delete Documents In Microsoft Word?

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular word processors in the world. It has become a staple tool for professionals, students, and individuals who require a reliable tool for creating and editing documents. However, with the constant creation and editing of documents, it is inevitable that some files may become obsolete or need to be deleted. If you’re wondering how to delete documents in Microsoft Word, you’ve come to the right place.

Deleting documents in Microsoft Word may seem like a simple task, but there are a few things to keep in mind. It’s important to understand the different methods available to delete documents and the various options that come with each method. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about deleting documents in Microsoft Word, so you can keep your files organized and your computer clutter-free. So, let’s dive in and learn how to delete documents in Microsoft Word.

How to Delete Documents in Microsoft Word?

How to Delete Documents in Microsoft Word

Deleting documents in Microsoft Word is a simple process that can be done in a few simple steps. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to delete documents in Microsoft Word, as well as some tips on how to delete documents quickly and easily.

Step 1: Open the Document

The first step in deleting a document in Microsoft Word is to open the document. To do this, find the document in the list of documents on the left-hand side of the screen and double-click on it to open it. Once the document is open, it will be ready to be deleted.

In some cases, the document may be opened in a separate window. If this is the case, you will need to close the window before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Select the Document to Delete

Once the document is open, select it by clicking on it once. This will highlight the document, allowing it to be deleted. To select more than one document at once, hold down the “Ctrl” key and click each document you wish to delete.

If you wish to delete the entire folder containing the document or documents, click on the folder and select “Delete” from the drop-down menu. This will delete the folder and all files within it.

Step 3: Delete the Document

Once the document or documents have been selected, click on the “Delete” button. This will delete the document or documents from the list of documents on the left-hand side of the screen. If the document or documents were located in a folder, the folder will also be deleted.

If you wish to keep a copy of the document or documents, you can select “Save As” from the drop-down menu and save the document or documents to another location. This will allow you to keep a backup of the document or documents.

Step 4: Confirm Deletion

Once the document has been selected for deletion, a confirmation window will appear. Read the confirmation window and click “Yes” to confirm the deletion of the document or documents. This will delete the document or documents from the list of documents on the left-hand side of the screen.

If you wish to cancel the deletion, click “No” or close the confirmation window. This will cancel the deletion and the document or documents will remain in the list of documents.

Step 5: Empty the Recycle Bin

Once the document or documents have been deleted, they will be placed in the Recycle Bin. To permanently delete the document or documents, right-click on the Recycle Bin icon and select “Empty Recycle Bin”. This will permanently delete the document or documents from your computer.

It is important to note that once a document or documents have been deleted, they cannot be recovered. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you are certain you wish to delete the document or documents before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Microsoft Word is a powerful word processing software used to create documents, reports and other items. Many people have questions about how to delete documents in Microsoft Word. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about this topic.

How do I delete a document in Word?

Deleting a document in Microsoft Word is easy. First, open the document that you want to delete. Then, navigate to the File tab in the ribbon and click on it. There you will find the “Delete” option. Click on it and the document will be deleted from your computer. You may also be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the document.

If you’re using an older version of Microsoft Word, you can also delete a document by right-clicking on the document name and selecting the Delete option.

Can I recover a deleted document in Word?

If you deleted a document in Microsoft Word, you may be able to recover it. To do this, open the Recycle Bin on your computer. You may find the deleted document there, in which case you can right-click and select Restore.

If the document is not in the Recycle Bin, you may still be able to recover it. Depending on your version of Microsoft Word, you may be able to open the AutoRecover feature and recover the document from there.

How do I delete multiple documents in Word?

If you want to delete multiple documents in Microsoft Word, you can do this in one of two ways. The first way is to open each document and then delete it individually. The second way is to select all of the documents that you want to delete, right-click on them, and select the delete option.

If you’re using an older version of Microsoft Word, you may also be able to select all of the documents that you want to delete and then press the Delete key.

Can I delete an entire folder of documents in Word?

Yes, you can delete an entire folder of documents in Microsoft Word. To do this, open the folder, select all of the documents within the folder, right-click, and select the delete option. You may also be able to press the Delete key to delete the entire folder.

If you’re using an older version of Microsoft Word, you may also be able to delete an entire folder by navigating to the folder, right-clicking, and selecting the Delete option.

Can I delete a document in Word without deleting the file?

Yes, you can delete a document in Microsoft Word without deleting the file. To do this, open the document and then navigate to the File tab in the ribbon. There you will find the “Save As” option. Select this option and then choose a different location to save the document. This will leave the original document intact and save the new document in the new location.

How To Delete Recent Document List In Microsoft Word?


In conclusion, deleting documents in Microsoft Word is a simple process that can be accomplished in a few clicks. Whether you’re cleaning up your computer or simply getting rid of outdated files, Word provides a variety of options for deleting documents. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily delete documents from your computer and keep your files organized.

Remember, it’s important to be cautious when deleting documents as you don’t want to accidentally delete something important. Always double-check the file you’re deleting and make sure it’s something you truly want to get rid of. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to effectively manage your Word documents and keep your computer clutter-free.

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