Delete a file, folder, or link from a SharePoint document library (2024)

Delete a file, folder, or link in SharePoint

Important:When you delete a folder, it deletes the folder and any files or subfolders it contains. Consider moving or archiving the contents of the folder before deleting it. You or your administrator might be able to recover a folder and its contents from the recycle bin.

1. In SharePoint, open the document library and select the item you want to delete. (Avoid selecting the file name itself, because that would open the file.) A checkmark appears in the far-left column.

   Note:Does your screen look different than this and you're using SharePoint in Microsoft 365 or SharePoint Server 2019? Your administrator might have SharePoint Classic experience set on the document library.

   

   To delete multiple items, repeat this step. You can delete as many items as you want.

2. SelectDelete on the toolbar above the list.

3. Select Delete in the message box to confirm your action.

   See Also

   Learn about retention policies & labels to retain or deleteLearn about retention for SharePoint and OneDriveAutomatically retain or delete content by using retention policiesSharePoint Storage | Plan IT Support

The status box appears in the document library informingyou that the item has been deleted.

Restore items in the recycle bin that were deleted from SharePoint or Teams

Upload, view, and remove project files or documents

Delete a file, folder, or link in SharePointClassic experience

Important:When you delete a folder, it deletes the folder and any files or subfolders it contains. Consider moving or archiving the contents of the folder before deleting it. You or your administrator might be able to recover a folder and its contents from the recycle bin.

1. Open the SharePoint document library where you want to delete items.

   See Also

   Microsoft 365 SharePoint Data Deletion - Microsoft Service Assurance

2. To select one or more items that you want to delete, hoverover the folder, and then selectthe checkbox.

3. Right-click a file, folder, or link icon, and then selectDelete.

   

4. In the Delete confirmation dialog, selectOK.

   

Restore items in the recycle bin that were deleted from SharePoint or Teams

Upload, view, and remove project files or documents

Delete a file or folder in SharePoint Server 2016

Important:When you delete a folder, it deletes the folder and any files or subfolders it contains. Consider moving or archiving the contents of the folder before deleting it. You or your administrator might be able to recover a folder and its contents from the recycle bin.

1. Navigate to theSharePoint site containing the library for which you want to delete the item.

2. Select the name of the library on the Quick Launch bar, or selectSettings ,selectSite contents, and then selectthe name of the library.

   Note:Designers can modify the appearance or navigation of a site significantly. If you can't locate an option, such as a command, button, or link, contact your administrator.

3. Select the ellipses (...) on the row you want to delete and selectDelete or Delete Item. If you don't see Delete, or Delete Item, selectthe ellipses (...) on the dialog, and then selectDelete.

4. In the confirmation dialog, selectOKor Delete.