Deleting files from Google Drive is a straightforward process. All you need to do is locate the file you want to get rid of, right-click on it, and hit the delete option. But, there’s a bit more to it if you want to permanently delete those files or recover them if you change your mind. Read on to find out how.
Step by Step Tutorial to Delete Google Drive Files
Before you start, remember that deleting a file from Google Drive will remove it from all the devices synced to your account. Here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Open Google Drive
Log in to your Google account and open Google Drive.
Google Drive is accessible through your web browser or the app on your phone or tablet. Just ensure you’re signed into the Google account that contains the files you want to delete.
Step 2: Locate the File
Find the file or folder you want to delete.
You can use the search bar at the top or navigate through your folders. If you have a lot of files, make use of the sort options to find your file faster.
Step 3: Select the File
Click or tap on the file to select it.
If you’re on a computer, you can also use the checkbox that appears when you hover over the file. For multiple files, hold down the Ctrl (Command on Mac) key while you click each file.
Step 4: Right-click and Choose ‘Remove’ or Use the Trash Icon
Right-click on the file and select ‘Remove’, or click on the trash icon.
You’ll usually find the trash icon at the top or side of your screen. It looks like a trash can or a recycle bin.
Step 5: Check Your Trash Bin
Go to the ‘Trash’ section of Google Drive to see your deleted files.
Files in the Trash bin will stay there for 30 days before they’re automatically deleted. If you want to permanently delete them right away, you’ll need to do that manually.
Step 6: Permanently Delete or Restore
Right-click on the file in the Trash bin to permanently delete it or restore it.
If you decide you need the file after all, you can restore it. But if you’re sure you want to get rid of it forever, choose ‘Delete forever’.
After you complete these steps, the file will either be in your Trash bin, waiting to disappear after 30 days, or it will be gone for good. If you’ve deleted a shared file, other people will no longer have access to it.
Tips for Deleting Google Drive Files
- Check twice before deleting important files; recovery is only possible within 30 days.
- Remember that shared files will be unavailable to others once deleted.
- Keep your Google Drive organized to make it easier to locate and delete files.
- Use the advanced search options to find files by type, owner, or date modified.
- If you’re unsure about deleting a file, download a backup before removing it from Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I accidentally delete a file?
You can restore it from the Trash bin within 30 days.
Can I delete multiple files at once?
Yes, hold Ctrl (Command on Mac) and click each file, then right-click and choose ‘Remove’.
Will deleting a file from Google Drive delete it from my computer?
If your Drive is synced to your computer, yes, it’ll remove the file from both.
What if I delete a file shared with me?
It’ll only be removed from your Drive; the owner and others can still access it.
Can I recover a file after 30 days?
No, after 30 days in the Trash, the file is permanently deleted.
Summary
- Open Google Drive and log in.
- Locate the file you wish to delete.
- Select the file.
- Right-click and choose ‘Remove’ or use the trash icon.
- Check your Trash bin.
- Permanently delete or restore the file.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a simple and effective way to manage your Google Drive files. Whether you’re tidying up your digital workspace or making sure sensitive data is permanently erased, knowing how to delete Google Drive files is a useful skill. Just remember that once a file is permanently deleted, there’s no going back. So always double-check before hitting that ‘Delete forever’ button, and keep your digital life clutter-free and secure. Happy organizing!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.