How to delete your Microsoft Teams files
Deleting files from Microsoft Teams permanently removes them from both Teams and OneDrive.
Microsoft Teams stores your documents in OneDrive, meaning any file you delete from a Teams channel also disappears from your OneDrive account.
This process is typically permanent after a short recovery window, so it’s important to be sure before you delete. For example, files deleted from a Teams chat, not a channel, are also removed from your personal OneDrive.
Delete your Microsoft Teams files by opening OneDrive, navigating to the “Microsoft Teams Chat Files” folder, selecting the files, and confirming their deletion. You can access OneDrive via its app or website.
Deleting Your Teams Files
You delete Microsoft Teams files by going to your OneDrive. When you delete a Teams file, that Teams file is usually gone for good, so be sure you really want to delete that Teams file. There isn't an easy way to get deleted Teams files back.
Step 1: Go to Your OneDrive
First, open your OneDrive app or go to the OneDrive website. You’ll need to log in if you’re not already signed in.
Step 2: Find the “Microsoft Teams Chat Files” Folder
Look for a folder named “Microsoft Teams Chat Files” in your OneDrive. This is where all the files you’ve shared or received in Teams chats are kept.
Step 3: Choose Which Files to Delete
Choosing files to delete in Microsoft Teams is simple, whether you’re using your phone or your computer.
- On your phone: Press and hold a file to select it. Then, tap the delete symbol (it usually looks like a trash can).
- On your computer: Click a file to select it. You can use the
CtrlorShiftkeys to select more than one file. Then, right-click on the files you’ve chosen and select “Delete,” or simply press theDeletekey on your keyboard.
Step 4: Confirm Deletion
After you pick the files you want to remove, you’ll need to confirm that you want to delete them to finish the process.
Summary
Deleting files from Microsoft Teams is easy. You just need to go to your OneDrive and remove the items you don’t want from the “Microsoft Teams Chat Files” folder.
Why can't I delete files in Teams?
Unfortunately, you cannot delete the file in the Files tab of a Teams Chat, but there is a way! Go to the Chat tab and scroll through the feed until you find the notification that you shared the file.
How do I permanently delete a file in Microsoft Teams?
To permanently delete a file in Microsoft Teams, you first need to delete it from Teams and then from the Recycle Bin. After that, scroll to the bottom of the Recycle Bin page and click the link for the Second-stage recycle bin. Deleting it from there will remove it for good.
Why is there no delete option in Teams?
If you can’t find a delete option in Microsoft Teams, it’s likely because your permissions have been changed. An administrator might have turned off the ability to delete messages or files to keep things transparent. If you think this is the case, you should contact your administrator.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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