# Delete a Computed File

Source: https://userguide.qualytics.io/container/computed-files/how-tos/delete/

Delete a Computed File from a DFS source datastore.

> **Info: Related**
>
> - [Add a Computed File](https://userguide.qualytics.io/container/computed-files/how-tos/add/) to create a new one.
> - [Edit a Computed File](https://userguide.qualytics.io/container/computed-files/how-tos/edit/) if you only need to change the definition or description.

## Before You Delete

Deleting a Computed File is a **hard delete**. There is no archive step and no undo. Understand what goes with it before you confirm:

| What happens to... | Effect |
| --- | --- |
| The Computed File itself | Deleted from the datastore. |
| Quality checks scoped to this container | Removed together with the container. |
| Archived checks in other containers that reference this container | Permanently deleted. They normally do not block the delete. |
| Anomalies raised against this container | Removed together with the container. |
| Profile history for this container | Removed together with the container. |
| Scan history for this container | Removed together with the container. |
| Base file patterns referenced in the definition | Not affected. Only the metadata inside Qualytics is removed. |

> **Warning: Irreversible**
>
> Once a Computed File is deleted, it cannot be recovered. If you want to keep the Spark SQL definition for reference before deleting the container, copy it out of the Edit modal first.

## When Delete Is Blocked

Deletion is blocked with `409 Conflict` when quality checks in **other** containers reference this Computed File through a configured reference container. The following rule types can trigger the block:

- `existsIn`
- `notExistsIn`
- `dataDiff`
- `aggregationComparison`
- `isReplicaOf` (sunsetting; use `dataDiff` for new checks)

The error response lists the specific quality-check IDs that block the delete. Delete or repoint those checks first, then retry. Archived checks normally do not block the delete, and an archived check that references this container is permanently deleted together with the container. If an archived check is still listed in the `409` error, delete it first. See [Lifecycle](https://userguide.qualytics.io/container/computed-files/deep-dive/lifecycle/#delete-cascades) for the full delete-cascade rules.

## Who Can Delete

| Team permission | Can delete? |
| --- | --- |
| **Editor** | Yes |
| **Author** (owner) | Yes |
| Any other team permission | No |

## Steps

**Step 1**: Locate the Computed File in the datastore's containers list and open its **Bulk menu** .

![Bulk menu button on a Computed File row](https://userguide.qualytics.io/assets/container/computed-files/how-tos/shared/step-1-bulk-menu.png)

**Step 2**: A dropdown appears with the actions available for that Computed File.

![Container bulk actions dropdown open on a Computed File](https://userguide.qualytics.io/assets/container/computed-files/how-tos/shared/step-2-settings-menu.png)

**Step 3**: Select **Delete** .

![Cursor on the Delete option in the settings menu](https://userguide.qualytics.io/assets/container/computed-files/how-tos/delete/step-3-delete-option.png)

**Step 4**: A confirmation dialog appears listing what will be removed.

![Delete confirmation dialog listing effects](https://userguide.qualytics.io/assets/container/computed-files/how-tos/delete/step-4-delete-dialog.png)

**Step 5**: Read the summary and confirm. The container is removed immediately, together with its quality checks, anomalies, profile history, and scan history.

![Confirm button highlighted in the delete dialog](https://userguide.qualytics.io/assets/container/computed-files/how-tos/delete/step-5-confirm-delete.png)

**Step 6**: A success message confirms the deletion and the Computed File no longer appears under the datastore.

![Success message confirming the Computed File deletion](https://userguide.qualytics.io/assets/container/computed-files/how-tos/delete/step-6-success-message.png)

*Last updated: October 6, 2026.*