Deleting a Library

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated December 21, 2020)

2

Over the course of time, you may find that you're no longer using a library—perhaps you're just content to navigate directly to the folder or you place the folder in Quick Access. You can delete the library quite simply. It's important to note that deleting the library does not delete the folders or files that the library contains. Since a library is essentially a container that points to the original files, deleting the library removes this container but leaves the original files and folders in their existing location. A list of available libraries is shown in the following figure. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Available libraries.

If you want to delete a library, say the Spreadsheets library, it's a simple matter of right-clicking the Spreadsheets library in the left pane and clicking Delete from the Context menu. The library is deleted, but the folders and files to which it pointed still remain intact.

You may be prompted with a confirmation message asking if you're sure you want to delete the library. Clicking "Yes" will cause the library to be deleted; clicking "No" will leave the library intact.

Remember that deleting a library does not delete the files and folders contained within the library. This is because libraries are simply symbolic collections of files and folders.

 This tip (11991) applies to Windows 7 and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding Windows Defender

There are a myriad of computer viruses always looking for new systems to infect. You can mitigate your risk of being ...

Discover More

Using the Hosts File to Block Content

Although there are better methods, you can use the Hosts file to block access to specific websites. This tip tells you how.

Discover More

Using Reliability Monitor

Reliability Monitor provides some measure of how stable your system is. It does this by noting, over time, various types ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Creating a Library

Creating a library can be done with just a couple of clicks. Although it appears that libraries have some issues, you can ...

Discover More

Moving the Music Folder

The Music folder is one of several system libraries created in Windows by default. This library is specifically optimized ...

Discover More

Understanding Libraries

Windows Libraries are a great extension to the functionality of Windows Explorer. Libraries are similar to folders in ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is eight minus 3?

2025-06-03 09:57:39

J. Woolley

@Rob
The Tip says "...a library is essentially a container that points to the original files," so I think you're right.


2025-06-02 21:13:33

Rob

If Libraries don't "contain" any folders or files, then why do you use the word "contain?" I'm just trying to understand Libraries. I've used Windows computers since the mid-1990's and have never needed a Library for anything. I don't know what benefit they provide. But I THINK they hold only pointers to folders and perhaps files, but don't contain those folders and/or files themselves. Otherwise, if you deleted a Library you would delete its contents. Since its contents are not folders or files, no folders or files are deleted. But I'm still guessing that what is deleted when a Library is deleted are pointers to folders and files. What do you think?
Rob


Newest Tips