Delete and restore files and folders
Move a file or folder to Trash
The Trash folder helps you safely remove files and folders that you no longer need while still allowing you to restore them later if required. This helps prevent accidental data loss and keeps your folders organized.
To move a file or folder to Trash:
- Right-click on the file or folder that you want to delete and select Move to Trash. A confirmation dialog appears.
Alternatively, select a file or folder that you wish to delete, click the More actions (...) icon at the top, and choose Move to Trash. - Click Move to Trash in the confirmation box.
The selected item will be moved to the Trash folder within that respective Team Folder or My Folder.
- Only Admins and Organizers can move files and folders to a Team Folder's Trash.
- Trashing files and folders that are shared with other team members will remove the files and folders for them as well.
Restore a file or folder from Trash
If you accidentally delete a file or folder, you can restore it from Trash and return it to its original location in My Folder or the respective Team Folder.
To restore a file or folder from Trash:
- Navigate to My Folders or Team Folder from which you want to restore a file or folder.
- Choose Manage dropdown at the top and choose Trash from the dropdown.
- Select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to restore and click the Restore button at the top of the trash list.
For individual files, you can also hover over the file or folder and click the Restore icon.
The selected item will be restored to its original location within that Team Folder or My Folder.
Both Admins and Organizers can restore deleted files and folders from a Team Folder's Trash.Delete a file or folder from Trash
You can remove files and folders from to keep it organized and reduce clutter.
To delete a file or folder from Trash:
- Navigate to My Folders or Team Folder from which you want to delete a file or folder.
- Choose Manage dropdown at the top and choose Trash from the dropdown.
- Select the file(s) and folder(s) you want to delete and click the Delete button at the top of the trash list. A confirmation dialog appears.
For individual files, you can also hover over the file or folder and click the Delete icon.
Tip: To delete all items in Trash within a Team Folder or My Folders, click Empty Trash in the Trash folder.
- Click Delete in the confirmation box.
The selected items will be deleted from the Trash within that Team Folder or My Folder.
Once items in the Trash are deleted, as an extra layer of data security, they will be temporarily moved to Admin Console > Data Administration > Deleted Items Learn how to manage deleted items in Admin Console.
Data Administration features, including restoring or permanently deleting Trash items, are available only on WorkDrive Team, Business, and Zoho One plans. Admins on these plans can also configure Trash items to auto-delete after 7, 15, or 30 days. Users on Essentials (Free), Starter, or Workplace bundle plans must upgrade to access these features. Learn more about data retention policies.