> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.box.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Deleting a Retention Policy

While non-modifiable retention policies can only be retired, modifiable retention policies can be deleted. [Retiring a retention policy](https://docs.box.com/en/box-governance/retention/retiring-a-retention-policy.md) does not remove that policy from content it already applied to. Existing retained content continues to follow the policy. Only new content stops being brought under it.

When a modifiable retention policy is deleted, the following happens to any files the policy applied to:

* Files in Trash: If any files are subject to any other retention policy, that policy is applied.
* Files not in Trash: No effect. The files may be subject to other retention policies, in which case those policies apply when those files are deleted by users.

**To delete a retention policy:**

1. Go to **Admin Console > Governance**.
2. Click the **Retention** tab.
3. Click the name of a modifiable retention policy.
4. Click **More Options** ( ![more-options-button](https://docs.box.com/images/box-governance/more-options-button.png)), and then click **Delete Policy**.
5. In the Delete Policy confirmation dialog box, click **Delete**.