How to Delete Shared Files on Google Drive
Managing shared files on Google Drive can sometimes become overwhelming, especially when you have multiple collaborators and numerous files. Deleting shared files is an essential part of maintaining an organized and clutter-free Google Drive. Whether you’re removing files that are no longer needed or clearing up space, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to delete shared files on Google Drive.
Step 1: Access the Shared File
The first step in deleting a shared file is to access the file itself. To do this, follow these instructions:
1. Open Google Drive on your computer or mobile device.
2. Navigate to the folder where the shared file is located.
3. Click on the file to open it.
Step 2: Open File Properties
Once you have the file open, you need to access its properties to delete it. Here’s how:
1. Right-click on the file and select “File info” from the dropdown menu.
2. On the file info page, click on the “Details” tab.
3. You will see a list of people who have access to the file.
Step 3: Remove File Access
Now that you have the details of the shared file, it’s time to remove access for the users you want to delete the file from. Follow these steps:
1. Find the user whose access you want to remove from the list of people with access.
2. Click on the three dots next to the user’s name and select “Remove.”
3. A confirmation pop-up will appear. Click “Remove” again to confirm.
Step 4: Delete the File
After removing access for the users, you can now delete the file. Here’s how:
1. Go back to the file’s properties page by clicking on “File info” again.
2. Click on the “Details” tab.
3. Scroll down to the “Delete” section and click on “Delete.”
4. Confirm the deletion by clicking “Delete” again in the confirmation pop-up.
Step 5: Confirm Deletion
Google Drive will now delete the file from your drive. To ensure that the file is completely removed, you can check the trash folder:
1. Click on the trash folder icon on the left sidebar.
2. If the deleted file is visible in the trash folder, you can either restore it or delete it permanently by clicking on the “Delete permanently” button.
Deleting shared files on Google Drive is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to double-check that you’re removing the correct file and that you have the necessary permissions. By following these steps, you can maintain an organized and clutter-free Google Drive.
