How to Clear Google Drive

Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that provides you with ample storage space to keep your files safe and secure.

However, as you keep using Google Drive, it can become cluttered with old and unwanted files, which can slow down the performance of the service and make it difficult for you to locate the files you need.

This is why it’s essential to clear Google Drive from time to time.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to clear Google Drive step by step.


Identify Files to Delete

The first step in clearing Google Drive is to identify the files that you no longer need.

These can be old documents, pictures, videos, or any other type of file that you no longer use.

You can use the search function in Google Drive to find these files.

Simply type in keywords related to the files you want to delete and press the search button.

Delete Unwanted Files

Once you have identified the files you want to delete, it’s time to get rid of them.

To delete a file in Google Drive, simply right-click on the file and select “Remove.”

You can also select multiple files by holding down the “Ctrl” key while clicking on the files you want to delete.

Then, right-click on any of the selected files and choose “Remove.”

Empty the Trash

After deleting the files, they will go to the trash bin in Google Drive.

To permanently delete these files, you need to empty the trash.

To do this, click on the trash bin icon in Google Drive, and then select “Empty Trash.”

Be aware that once you empty the trash, the files will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

Remove Duplicate Files

Duplicate files can take up valuable storage space in Google Drive, so it’s a good idea to remove them.

To do this, you can use a third-party tool, such as “Duplicate Cleaner” or “Duplicate File Finder.”

Simply download and install the tool, and then run a scan on your Google Drive account.

The tool will identify any duplicate files and give you the option to delete them.

Optimize Your Google Drive Settings

Finally, to keep your Google Drive running smoothly, it’s important to optimize your settings. To do this, go to the Google Drive settings page, and then select “General.”

From there, you can adjust the settings for the following items:

  • Trash: Set the trash bin to empty automatically after 30 days.
  • Sync: Turn off sync for files that you no longer need.
  • Notifications: Turn off notifications for files that you no longer need.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can clear Google Drive and free up valuable storage space.

With a clean and optimized Google Drive account, you’ll be able to find the files you need quickly and easily, and you’ll enjoy a faster and more efficient cloud storage experience.