OneDrive File Issues

How to Delete OneDrive Files and Folders Online Without File Explorer

Rana Garcia Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to delete OneDrive folders and files through the web browser interface because they cannot use the local File Explorer.

How to Delete OneDrive Files and Folders Online Without File Explorer

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Deleting top-level folders, subfolders, or individual files from OneDrive cloud storage without relying on desktop file management applications.
Observed behavior: The user needs to navigate the Microsoft 365 online portal to locate and successfully remove specific files and folders.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and your Microsoft 365 account credentials ready to sign in to the web portal.

Solution 1Recommended

Delete Files and Folders via the Microsoft 365 Portal

Use the official Microsoft 365 web browser interface to access your OneDrive and manage or delete your files manually.

When File Explorer is unresponsive or unavailable, the web interface is the most direct and reliable way to manage your OneDrive data. Changes made here will sync across all your connected devices once they are online.

Sign in to Microsoft 365

Open your preferred web browser, go to portal.office.com, and sign in using your Microsoft 365 account credentials.

Open OneDrive

Click the App Launcher (the waffle icon) in the top-left corner of the screen and select the OneDrive app from the list.

Navigate to My Files

On the left-hand navigation pane, click on 'My Files' to view all your top-level folders and documents.

Select and delete items

Hover over the folders, subfolders, or files you wish to remove, click the circular checkbox that appears to select them, and then click the 'Delete' button located on the top command bar.

Delete Files and Folders via the Microsoft 365 Portal

Troubleshooting Deletion Errors: If an error message appears when you try to delete an item, capture a screenshot of the error. Common issues include the file being open in another tab or lacking proper permissions to delete shared items.

Manage Cloud Files Easily with WPS Office

WPS Office offers a robust, all-in-one productivity suite that natively integrates with major cloud storage services, including OneDrive. You can securely connect your Microsoft account to view, edit, and delete your cloud files directly from the intuitive WPS interface without needing a web browser.

1. Download and launch: Install WPS Office on your computer and open the application.
2. Add cloud storage: Click on 'Open' in the left navigation sidebar, scroll down to the 'Cloud Storage' section, and select 'Add Cloud Storage'.
3. Connect OneDrive: Choose OneDrive from the list of providers, and sign in with your Microsoft account to authorize access.
4. Manage your files: Browse your OneDrive folders directly within the WPS interface. Right-click any file or folder and select 'Delete' to remove it from your cloud storage.

Seamlessly connect and manage OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox from one application.Fully compatible with all Microsoft Office file formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Free, lightweight, and consumes minimal system resources.Built-in WPS Cloud provides an additional secure backup option for your important files.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do my files go when I delete them from OneDrive online?

Deleted files are moved to the OneDrive Recycle Bin. They are kept there for 30 days for personal accounts, or 93 days for work/school accounts, before being permanently deleted.

Why am I getting an error when trying to delete a folder online?

Errors usually occur if a file within the folder is currently open in another browser tab, if it is being actively edited by someone you shared it with, or if you do not have the required permissions to delete it.

Does deleting a file on the web portal remove it from my synced PC?

Yes. Once your PC connects to the internet and syncs with OneDrive, the files you deleted via the web portal will automatically be removed from your local File Explorer.

Can I delete a specific subfolder without removing the main folder?

Yes. Simply click on the parent folder to open it, select the specific subfolder you want to remove by checking its circle, and click 'Delete' on the top menu. The parent folder will remain intact.

Document & File Issues