Delete
The Delete operation moves files to Google Drive's trash. Files are not permanently deleted — they remain in your trash until you empty it from the Google Drive web interface.
How to Delete Files
- Select files in the file table
- Click Delete in the selection toolbar (or right-click → Delete)
- Review the configuration dialog
- Click Start
The dialog shows the number of files that will be affected and a warning when folders are included.
Shared File Handling
When your selection includes files shared with others (files you do not own), the dialog presents options:
| Option | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Skip shared files | Shared files are left untouched |
| Remove your access | Your access to the shared file is removed (you no longer see it) |
| Delete or remove access | Delete files you own; remove access from files you do not own |
| Delete or keep | Delete files you own; leave files you do not own unchanged |
The combined options ("Delete or remove access" and "Delete or keep") only appear when your selection includes a mix of owned and shared files.
Folder Behavior
Deleting a folder also deletes all files and subfolders inside it — this is how the Google Drive API works. The dialog shows a warning when folders are detected in your selection.
Large Operations
Selections exceeding 1,000 files show an additional warning about scope and processing time. Large delete operations are subject to Google Drive API rate limits and may take several minutes. You can monitor progress on the Batches page and pause or cancel at any time.
Rollback
Completed delete operations support rollback — click Rollback on the job card to restore the trashed files. The rollback creates a new operation that moves the files back out of trash.
Learn More
- Actions Overview — All batch operations
- Job Queue — Monitor and control running operations