Delete files in Google Drive

If you are deleting files in Google Drive to free up space, learn how to clear space effectively with these helpful tips.

Learn what happens when you delete a file

Learn how to recover a deleted file

Learn about files that you can delete and how to delete them

Important: Once you have deleted the file by moving it to your bin, remember that:

• Anyone that you shared your file with can continue to access it until the file is deleted permanently.
• Files in your bin still count towards your storage until they are permanently deleted.

If you're the owner of the file, you can delete the file by moving it to your bin.

To put a file in the bin:

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
2. Right-click the file and:
   • click Move to bin .
   • If someone else is the owner of the file, click Remove .

Learn about files that you cannot delete

If you're not the owner of a file, you won't be able to delete it. Instead, you will only be able to remove it from your Drive.

To remove a file:

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
2. Right-click the file and click Remove .

Other people can access the file since you're not the owner.

Learn how to permanently delete a file

Learn about permanently deleted files in Drive

Important: If you're the owner of the file, anyone that you've shared the file with will lose access when you permanently delete it. Learn how to make someone else the owner of your file.

• When you click Empty bin, the files in your bin are deleted forever.
• Files that you move to the bin are deleted forever after 30 days.
• Learn how to recover a deleted file in Google Drive.

Permanently delete all files in your bin

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
2. On the left, click Bin.
3. Make sure that there are no files that you want to keep.
4. At the top right, click Empty bin Delete forever.

Permanently delete an individual file:

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
2. On the left, click Bin.
3. Select a file.
4. At the top, click Empty bin Delete forever .

Tip: If you want others to have access to the file, you can transfer ownership to someone else. Make someone else the owner of your file.

Delete files in Drive for desktop

Important: If you back up to Google Photos, only photos and videos will be uploaded. Changes (including deleting images) won't sync between your computer and Google Photos.

If you mirror or stream files between Google Drive and your computer, any files that you put in the bin are put in the bin everywhere.