How to Delete Files from Google Drive to Free Up Space

Dealing with a cluttered Google Drive can be frustrating, especially when you're running low on storage space. Deleting files that are no longer needed is a great way to free up some space and keep your account organized. However, before you delete those unwanted files, it's essential to know that there are two scenarios to consider: soft-deleted and hard-deleted files.

Soft-Deleted Files

In the first scenario, your files may have been 'soft-deleted', which means they're still recoverable using built-in Google tools. This is a blessing in disguise because it gives you an opportunity to restore those files if needed. On the other hand, if you've deleted a file and want to recover it, you can use Google Drive's 'Trash' feature to retrieve it.

Hard-Deleted Files

In the second scenario, files are 'hard-deleted' permanently, which means there is little you can do without backup. This is because once a file is hard-deleted, it's removed from your Trash bin and can no longer be recovered using Google Drive's built-in features. In this case, recovering deleted files requires specialized software or professional data recovery services.

Recovering Deleted Files

Don't worry if you've accidentally deleted a file; there are many ways to recover deleted files from Google Drive. Whether it's photos, sheets, videos, audio, or text documents, we'll share the mechanisms in place to help you recover them. At 'Company Name', we specialize in data loss protection and have helped numerous companies and individuals recover their deleted files.

Accidental and intentional file deletion is a common issue among corporate employees using Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). Knowing how to delete and restore files is crucial for maintaining your digital organization. By understanding the difference between soft-deleted and hard-deleted files, you can take steps to prevent data loss and recover deleted files when needed.

How to delete files from google drive to free up space