Question
Answer and Explanation
Deleting media from the WordPress media library is a straightforward process. Here's how you can do it:
1. Access the Media Library:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to "Media" in the left-hand menu, then click on "Library". This will display all the media files you've uploaded.
2. Select the Media File(s):
- You can delete media files individually or in bulk.
- Individual Deletion: Hover over the media file you want to delete. You'll see options appear below the thumbnail, including "Delete Permanently". Click this option.
- Bulk Deletion: To delete multiple files, click the checkbox in the top-left corner of each media file you want to remove. Once you've selected all the files, choose "Delete Permanently" from the "Bulk actions" dropdown menu above the media list, and then click "Apply".
3. Confirm Deletion:
- WordPress will ask you to confirm that you want to delete the selected media files. Click "OK" or "Confirm" to proceed.
4. Important Considerations:
- Permanent Deletion: When you delete media from the library, it's permanently removed from your server. It's not sent to a trash or recycle bin. Be sure you want to delete the files before confirming.
- Usage in Posts/Pages: If the media file is currently used in any posts or pages, deleting it will break the display of that media on your site. You'll need to replace the broken media with a new file or remove the reference to the deleted file from your content.
- Backup: It's always a good idea to have a backup of your website, including the media library, before making significant changes like deleting files.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and delete media files from your WordPress media library. Remember to be cautious when deleting files, especially if they are used in your website's content.