Delete a file folder or link from a sharepoint document library

You can delete files, folders, or links in your SharePoint document library that you don't need anymore, such as old content or obsolete folders.

Note: Links are only available in SharePoint in Microsoft 365.

Note: These steps are for unmodified versions of SharePoint. If your administrator or company has customized your app, you may not see these options.

Office 2019 and Web Office 2013 - 2016 Office 2010 Office 2007

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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 hover over the item you want to delete, and select the checkmark.

   Note: Does your screen look different than this and you're using SharePoint in Microsoft 365 or SharePoint Server 2019? Your administrator may have SharePoint Classic experience set on the document library. If so, see Deleting items in a SharePoint Classic experience library.

   

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

2. Select Delete  .

3. In the Delete dialog box, to remove the item, select Delete.

The status box appears in the upper top of the document library informing you that the item has been deleted.

Restore items in the Recycle Bin of a SharePoint site

Upload files and folders to a document library

Delete a file, folder, or link in SharePoint classic 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.

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

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

   

4. In the Delete confirmation dialog, click OK.

   

Restore items in the Recycle Bin of a SharePoint site

Upload files and folders to a document library

Delete a file or folder in SharePoint Server 2016 or SharePoint Server 2013

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 select Settings , select Site contents, and then select the name of the library.

   Note: Designers can modify the appearance or navigation of a site significantly. If you cannot 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 select Delete or Delete Item. If you don't see Delete, or Delete Item, select the ellipses (...) on the dialog, and then select Delete.

4. In the confirmation dialog, click OK or Delete.

   

Delete a file or folder in SharePoint Server 2010

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 the SharePoint site containing the library for which you want to delete the file or folder.

2. Select the name of the library on the Quick Launch bar, or select Site Actions, select View All Site Content, and then in the appropriate libraries section, select the name of the library or list.

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

3. To select the item you want to delete, hover over the selection column, and then select the checkbox.

4. In the ribbon, under the Library Tools section, on the Documents or Items tab, in the Manage group, click Delete Document or Delete Item.

Delete a file or folder in SharePoint Server 2007

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. If the SharePoint library is not already open, select its name on the Quick Launch bar.

2. Point to the file or folder name, select the arrow that appears, and then select Delete Item.

Other topics of interest

Move or copy a folder, file, or link in a document library

Create a folder in a SharePoint document library

Create a folder in a SharePoint list

Delete a folder from a SharePoint list

Restore items in the Recycle Bin of a SharePoint site

Upload files to a library

Introduction to libraries

Use a mobile device to work with SharePoint Online sites

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