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How to Fix Microsoft Forms Responses Reappearing After Deletion

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where previously deleted Microsoft Forms responses reappear when the form is reopened, failing to permanently clear the data.

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Deleting responses within Microsoft Forms surveys to clear data or reset the form.
Observed behavior: Deleted responses reappear upon reopening the form, affecting multiple surveys and administrators.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, verify whether you are using a Windows or Mac device and check if your Microsoft account is a Personal, Work, or School account, as this dictates the exact troubleshooting path.

Solution 1Recommended

Identify Account Environment and Clear Browser Data

Since Microsoft Forms behaves differently depending on the ecosystem and organization policies, identifying the exact OS and account type, along with clearing local cache, is the most effective way to resolve sync issues.

The reappearance of deleted responses is typically caused by client-side browser caching issues or synchronization delays with Microsoft servers.

Additionally, Work and School accounts may be subject to strict data retention policies set by an IT administrator, which can automatically restore deleted survey data.

Check your account type

Click your profile picture in the top right corner of Microsoft Forms to verify if you are logged into a Personal, Work, or School account.

Open an InPrivate or Incognito window

Launch a private browsing window (Ctrl+Shift+N or Cmd+Shift+N) and log back into Microsoft Forms to rule out browser extension interference.

Attempt deletion again

Navigate to the 'Responses' tab of your form, click the 'More options' (three dots) menu, and select 'Delete all responses'. Wait a few moments before closing the tab to ensure the server registers the command.

Clear browser cache

If the issue persists in a normal window, go to your browser settings, search for 'Clear browsing data', and clear your cached images and files.

Work and School Accounts: If you are using a Work or School account, your organization's IT admin may have data retention policies in place that prevent permanent deletion of form responses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do deleted responses reappear in Microsoft Forms?

This usually happens due to browser caching issues, synchronization delays with the Microsoft cloud, or specific account data retention policies tied to Work or School environments.

Can I permanently delete responses in Microsoft Forms?

Yes, by navigating to the Responses tab, clicking the three-dot menu, and selecting 'Delete all responses'. Ensure your browser remains open long enough to sync the changes to the server.

Does my account type affect how Microsoft Forms deletes data?

Yes. Work and School accounts may have specific compliance and data retention policies enforced by the organization's IT administrator, which can sometimes prevent the permanent deletion of form responses.

How do I clear my browser cache to fix form sync issues?

Go to your web browser's settings, find the privacy or history section, and select 'Clear browsing data'. Ensure 'Cached images and files' is checked before proceeding to clear the data.

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