Delete a folder from a list
Applies ToSharePoint Server Subscription Edition SharePoint Server 2019 SharePoint Server 2016 SharePoint Server 2013 SharePoint Server 2013 Enterprise SharePoint in Microsoft 365 SharePoint Server 2010 Windows SharePoint Services 3.0

Folders in lists are an efficient way to group and manage your content, such as grouping inventory items or employees by department. When you no longer need a folder, you can delete it from your list.

Delete a folder in a Modern experience list

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 list and select the folder that you want to delete.

    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 a folder in a SharePoint Classic experience list.

    Document being highlighted with cursor over check box
  2. To delete multiple folders, repeat this step. You can delete as many items as you want.

  3. Click Delete Select one or more documents, and click Delete on the Top Link bar.

  4. In the Delete dialog box, click Delete to remove the folder.

    Item delete confirmation box with Delete highlighted
  5. You'll see the status box appear in the upper top of the list telling you that the item has been deleted.

    Delete status line at top of screen

Delete a folder in a Classic experience list

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.

In Classic mode there is no Top Link bar.

  1. Open the list and select the folder that you want to delete.

  2. Select one or more folders that you want to delete by hovering over the folder and then clicking the check box.

  3. Right-click a folder icon and then click Delete.

    Delete menu item on the ellipse menu
  4. In the Delete confirmation dialog box, click OK.

    Delete item dialog confirmation with delete highlighted

Other topics of interest

Create a folder in a SharePoint document library

Create a folder in a SharePoint list

Create a folder in a SharePoint document library

Leave us a comment

Was this article helpful? Is there missing content? If so, please let us know at the bottom of this page. Let us know what was confusing or missing. Please include your version of SharePoint, OS, and browser. We'll use your feedback to double-check the facts, add info, and update this article.

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.