Delete a document library in SharePoint

You can delete Microsoft SharePoint libraries when you no longer need them. When you delete a library, you also delete documents, metadata about the documents, version history, library settings and specific permission levels that are associated with the library. For information about deleting files, see Delete files in a library.

If you delete a library by accident or change your mind, depending on how your site is set up, you can restore a document library from the SharePoint site Recycle Bin. For more info, see Restore items in the Recycle Bin of a SharePoint site.

To create a library, see Create a document library in SharePoint.

Note: If you do not see the options listed in the procedure below, such as a command, button, or link, contact your administrator. To create or delete a library, you must have permissions to manage lists. If you have permissions, you can modify a SharePoint site's appearance and navigation.

Delete a library in SharePoint

  1. In the Quick Launch bar on the left side of the screen, navigate to the library that you want to delete.

  2. Select Settings  Settings button from SharePoint Online, then select Library settings.

    Settings menu with Library Settings selected

  3. In the Settings page,  in the middle column under Permissions and Management, select Delete this document library. (If you do not see this option listed, then you do not have permission to delete this library and you need to contact your site administrator.)

    The delete document library in the library settings page

  4. If you're sure you want to delete the library, select OK.

    Confirmation dialog box when deleting a library

    Note: The title of the dialog may vary whether you're using SharePoint Online, or SharePoint Server 2019.

Top of Page

Delete a library in SharePoint Server 2016 or SharePoint Server 2013

  1. Do one of the following:

    • Navigate to the library you want to delete.

      On the ribbon, select the Library tab,  and then select Library settings.

      SharePoint Library Settings buttons on Ribbon

    • Select Settings  SharePoint 2016 Settings button on title bar., and then select Site contents.

      For the library you want to delete, hover and select the ellipsis (...),  and then select Settings.

      Settings button on dialog

  2. On the settings page, under Permissions and Management, select Delete this document library.

    The delete document library in the library settings page

  3. If you're sure you want to delete the library, select OK.

    Confirmation dialog box when deleting a library

Top of Page

Delete a library in SharePoint Server 2010

  1. On the Quick Launch, select the name of the library, or select Site Actions  Site Actions Menu, select View All Site Content, and then under the appropriate Libraries section, select the name of the library.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • For a picture library, on the Settings menu The Settings menu, select <library type> Library Settings.

    • For other libraries, under Library Tools, select the Library tab, and in the Settings group, select Library Settings.

  3. Under Permissions and Management, select Delete this <library type> library.

  4. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, if you are sure that you want to delete the library, select OK.

Top of Page

Delete a library in SharePoint Server 2007

  1. If the library is not already open, on the Quick Launch, select its name.

    If the name of your library does not appear on the Quick Launch, select Site Actions  Button image, select View All Site Content, and then select the name of your library.

  2. On the Settings menu settings menu, select the settings for the type of library that you are opening.

    For example, in a document library, select Document Library Settings.

  3. Under Permissions and Management, select the option to delete your type of library. For example, in a document library, select Delete this document library.

  4. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, if you are sure that you want to delete the library, select OK.

Top of Page

Other resources

Top of Page

Need more help?

Want more options?

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

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.