How do I delete a folder in Word?

You cannot delete a folder directly within Microsoft Word.

Microsoft Word is a word processing application primarily used for creating, editing, and formatting documents. It is not designed to manage files and folders on your computer's file system. As stated in the reference, Microsoft Word does not delete folders, it is a word processor.

To delete a folder, you need to use the file management system provided by your computer's operating system (like Windows or macOS).

Deleting Folders Using Your Operating System

Deleting a folder is a standard task handled outside of applications like Word. Here's how you typically do it on common operating systems:

Deleting Folders on Windows

On Windows, you use File Explorer (or Windows Explorer) to manage your files and folders.

1. Open File Explorer: You can usually find its icon on the taskbar or search for "File Explorer" in the Start menu.
2. Navigate to the Folder: Browse through the folders until you find the one you want to delete.
3. Select the Folder: Click on the folder name once to select it.
4. Delete the Folder:
   • Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
   • Right-click on the folder and select Delete from the context menu.
   • Click the Delete button in the Home tab of the File Explorer ribbon.
5. The folder will typically be moved to the Recycle Bin, from where you can permanently delete it later if needed.

Deleting Folders on Mac

On macOS, you use Finder to manage your files and folders.

1. Open Finder: Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
2. Navigate to the Folder: Browse through your folders to locate the one you wish to delete.
3. Delete the Folder:
   • Drag the folder directly into the Trash can icon in the Dock. This method is specifically mentioned in the reference.
   • Select the folder and press Command + Delete on your keyboard.
   • Right-click (or Control-click) the folder and select Move to Trash from the context menu.
4. The folder is moved to the Trash, which you can later empty to delete the folder permanently.

Summary

Task	Tool Used	Notes
Delete a Folder	Operating System	Use File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
Create/Edit Documents	Microsoft Word	Word Processor Function

Remember, Word handles the content of documents, while your operating system handles the organization and deletion of the files and folders that store those documents.