---
title: "Delete Files and Directories in Plesk"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/control-panel/plesk/file-management/delete-files-and-directories-in-plesk/"
description: "Let's take a look at how to delete files and directories within the File Manager in Plesk. Deleting them takes just a few clicks."
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2024-03-04"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# Delete Files and Directories in Plesk

We’ve gone over [adding files and folders](https://www.liquidweb.com/help-docs/adding-files-and-folders-in-plesk/), now let’s take a look at how to delete files and directories within the File Manager in Plesk. Deleting them takes just a few clicks.

| ### **Warning:** |
|---|
| Deleting files and directories is permanent and irreversible. If you feel you may need the file or directory in the future, take a manual backup before proceeding with deleting anything (see [Taking a Manual Backup in Plesk](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/control-panel/plesk/backup-and-restore/taking-a-manual-backup-in-plesk/)). |

## Delete a File

1. To delete a file, navigate to the httpdocs directory in the Plesk File Manager.  
    ![httpdocs directory in File Manager](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_VtUpOx.png)
2. Click the box next to the file you want to delete.  
    ![file to delete highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_VXAyMT.png)
3. Click on the **Remove** button at the top of the page.  
    ![remove button highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_YcyeWI.png)
4. A pop-up will appear to confirm you wish to permanently delete the file.  
    ![pop-up to confirm delete file](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_t4gX8c.png)
5. Once complete, the file will no longer show in the httpdocs list.
6. If you need to restore a file from a backup, see our article [Restoring Data from Plesk Backups.](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/control-panel/plesk/backup-and-restore/restoring-data-from-plesk-backups/)

## Delete a Directory

1. From the httpdocs directory, select the directory by checking the box next to its name.  
    ![Directory highlighted in httpdocs](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_MP5ilp.png)
2. Click the **Remove** button in the task bar at the top of the page.  
    ![remove button highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_8x6TL8.png)
3. A pop-up will appear asking you to confirm deleting the directory. Click **OK** to complete the process.  
    ![pop-up to confirm delete directory](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_PK3L2p.png)
4. The directory will be deleted and will no longer show in the httpdocs list.
5. If you need to restore a file from a backup, see our article [Restoring Data from Plesk Backups.](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/control-panel/plesk/backup-and-restore/restoring-data-from-plesk-backups/)

You can learn more information about Plesk file management with the following articles:

- [Upload files and folders](https://www.liquidweb.com/help-docs/uploading-files-in-plesk/)
- [Add files and folders](https://www.liquidweb.com/help-docs/adding-files-and-folders-in-plesk/)
- [Editing HTML and code](https://www.liquidweb.com/help-docs/editing-html-and-code-in-plesk/)
- [Manage file permissions](https://www.liquidweb.com/help-docs/managing-file-permissions-in-plesk/)

[Explore Plesk VPS options](https://www.liquidweb.com/vps-hosting/plesk/)