How to Permanently Delete Files and Folders from Google Drive- A Step-by-Step Guide

How do I delete things from Google Drive? This is a common question among users who are looking to manage their storage space or remove unnecessary files. Google Drive, a popular cloud storage service, offers a straightforward process for deleting files, folders, and even entire drives. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to delete items from your Google Drive account efficiently.

Google Drive provides several ways to delete files and folders, including using the web interface, mobile app, and desktop app. Here’s how you can delete items from each of these platforms:

Deleting from Google Drive Web Interface

1. Log in to your Google Drive: Open your web browser and go to drive.google.com. Sign in with your Google account if you haven’t already.
2. Navigate to the file or folder: Use the search bar or scroll through your files to find the item you want to delete.
3. Select the item: Click on the file or folder to select it. If you want to delete multiple items, hold down the Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) key and click each item.
4. Delete the item: Once the item is selected, click on the trash icon that appears at the top of the screen. You can also right-click on the item and choose “Move to trash.”
5. Empty the trash: After deleting the item, it will be moved to the trash. To permanently delete it, go to the trash folder and click on “Empty trash.”

Deleting from Google Drive Mobile App

1. Open the Google Drive app: On your smartphone or tablet, open the Google Drive app.
2. Navigate to the file or folder: Scroll through your files and folders to find the item you want to delete.
3. Select the item: Tap on the file or folder to select it. If you want to delete multiple items, tap on the first item, then tap on the other items while holding down the Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) key.
4. Delete the item: Once the item is selected, tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen. Choose “Move to trash” from the menu.
5. Empty the trash: After deleting the item, it will be moved to the trash. To permanently delete it, go to the trash folder and tap on “Empty trash.”

Deleting from Google Drive Desktop App

1. Open the Google Drive desktop app: On your computer, open the Google Drive desktop app.
2. Navigate to the file or folder: Scroll through your files and folders to find the item you want to delete.
3. Select the item: Click on the file or folder to select it. If you want to delete multiple items, click on the first item, then click on the other items while holding down the Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) key.
4. Delete the item: Once the item is selected, right-click on the item and choose “Move to trash.”
5. Empty the trash: After deleting the item, it will be moved to the trash. To permanently delete it, go to the trash folder and click on “Empty trash.”

By following these steps, you can easily delete items from your Google Drive account. Remember that deleted items are moved to the trash, so you have a chance to recover them if needed. However, if you want to free up space permanently, make sure to empty the trash regularly.