---
title: "Deleting Files and Folders in cPanel"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/control-panel/whm/cpanel/file-management/deleting-files-and-folders-in-cpanel/"
description: "Learn to permanently delete files and folders using cPanel's File Manager. We'll show you how and remind you to back up your important data first."
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2024-03-04"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# Deleting Files and Folders in cPanel

We’ve shown you in previous articles how to [upload public\_html files](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/control-panel/whm/cpanel/file-management/uploading-public_html-files-in-cpanel/) and [add files and folders](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/control-panel/whm/cpanel/file-management/adding-files-and-folders-in-cpanel/) using the File Manager in cPanel, now let’s look at deleting them. In just a few clicks you can delete files and folders from your website.

| ### **Warning:** |
|---|
| Deleting files and folders will permanently delete them from the site. If you need a copy for later use, take a manual backup before deleting any files or folders (see [Taking a Manual Backup in cPanel](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/control-panel/whm/cpanel/taking-a-manual-backup-in-cpanel/)). |

## Delete a File

1. To delete a file, log into cPanel and navigate to the File Manager.
2. Open the public\_html directory.  
    ![public_html directory highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_ZHCibw.webp)
3. Highlight the file you want to delete by clicking on it.  
    ![file to delete highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_cif9Uo.png)
4. Click the **Delete** button at the top of the page.  
    ![Delete button highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_X8YwVy.png)
5. A pop-up asking you to confirm that you want to delete will appear. If you want to permanently delete the file, click the **Skip trash and permanently delete the file** box. Otherwise, the file will go into the trash to be manually deleted later.  
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
    | ### **Note:** |
    |---|
    | You can delete files in the trash by clicking the View Trash link and then select Empty Trash once you are in the trash folder.   ![confirm empty trash](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_ExZzWj.png) |
6. Click **Confirm** to delete the file.
7. The file will no longer show in the public\_html directory.  
    ![public_html list showing file gone](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_FNVzqt.png)

## Delete a Folder

1. From the File Manager in cPanel, highlight the folder you want to delete.  
    ![folder to delete highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_GiHUqH.png)
2. Click the **Delete** link from the tool bar at the top of the page.  
    ![Delete button highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_q1aI9u.png)
3. A pop-up will appear asking you to confirm that you want to delete the folder. If you want to permanently delete the file, click the **Skip trash and permanently delete the file** box. Otherwise, the file will go into the trash to be manually deleted later.  
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
    | ### **Note:** |
    |---|
    | You can delete files in the trash by clicking the View Trash link and then select Empty Trash once you are in the trash folder.   ![empty trash](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_rkozBO.png) |
4. The folder will be deleted and no longer show in the public\_html list.  
    ![Folder no longer showing in public_html list](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_vAJaap.png)