Delete a file, folder, or link from a SharePoint document library
Applies To
SharePoint Server Subscription Edition SharePoint Server 2019 SharePoint Server 2016 SharePoint in Microsoft 365You 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.
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.
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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.
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Select Delete
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Select Delete in the message box to confirm your action.
The status box appears in the document library informing you that the item has been deleted.
Restore items in the recycle bin that were deleted from SharePoint or Teams
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.
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Open the SharePoint document library where you want to delete items.
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To select one or more items that you want to delete, hover over the folder, and then select the checkbox.
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Right-click a file, folder, or link icon, and then select Delete.
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In the Delete confirmation dialog, select OK.
Restore items in the recycle bin that were deleted from SharePoint or Teams
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.
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Navigate to the SharePoint site containing the library for which you want to delete the item.
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Select the name of the library on the Quick Launch bar, or select Settings
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.
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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.
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In the confirmation dialog, select OK or Delete.
Other topics of interest
Move or copy files in SharePoint
Create a folder in a document library
Restore items in the recycle bin that were deleted from SharePoint or Teams
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