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 you can delete and how to delete them

Important: Once you delete the file by moving it to your Trash, remember that :  

• Anyone you shared your file with can continue to access it until the file is permanently deleted. 
• Files in your Trash 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 Trash.

To put a file in the Trash:

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

Learn about files 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 you shared the file with loses access when you permanently delete it. Learn how to make someone else the owner of your file.

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

Permanently delete all files in your trash

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

Permanently delete an individual file:

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
2. On the left, click Trash.
3. Select a file.
4. At the top, click 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 you put in the trash are put in the trash everywhere.