---
id: backups.what-does-delete-and-start-fresh-do
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-delete-and-start-fresh-do
category: "Backups & restore points"
subcategory: "Managing backup sets and destinations"
question: "What does \"Delete & start fresh\" do?"
alt_questions:
  - "Delete every saved version"
  - "erase backup history Storage Studio"
  - "reset a backup set"
  - "type Delete to confirm backup"
  - "start backup over from scratch"
short_answer: "It permanently erases every saved version of that set at its destination and starts a new backup from scratch. You must type Delete to confirm; nothing goes to the Trash or Recycle Vault."
tags: ["delete", "reset", "versions"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-disconnect-a-backup-destination", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-happens-if-i-lose-my-backup-passphrase"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What does "Delete & start fresh" do?

It permanently removes the **whole** backup history for that set from where it's stored — not just the latest copy, but every version you could go back to — and then starts a brand-new backup from scratch.

Because there's no way back, it asks you to type **Delete** to confirm. The versions aren't moved to the Trash or the Recycle Vault, and the files on your Mac become your only copy until the new backup completes.

Use it only when a backup can't be recovered — for example a cloud backup whose passphrase is truly lost. To stop backing up but keep the history, use **Remove destination (keeps stored versions)** instead.