# Archive vs delete a course

> Two very different actions on the row menu. Archive hides a course but keeps every record; Delete removes it. Choose archive 99% of the time.

Last updated 2026-06-01 · Source: https://prolaud.com/help/course-archive-delete

## Archive

- Removes the course from your active list and the storefront.
- Keeps everything — students, payments, reviews, analytics, certificates.
- Enrolled students keep their access and progress.
- Reversible: restore it any time and it's back as it was.

> **Note:** Archive is the right choice for almost every 'I'm done with this course' moment. It's reversible and you never lose your records or break a student's access.

## Delete

- Removes the course. Deleted items go to Trash first, where they can be restored for a limited window (see 'Trash & restore').
- After the window, deletion is permanent — content and its links are gone.
- Avoid deleting a course with active enrollments or completed payments; archive instead so records survive.

> **Note:** If a course ever sold even once, prefer Archive. Deleting can orphan payment records and certificates that students (and your accountant) may need later.

## Quick rule

- Pausing sales, might relaunch → Unpublish.
- Done with it, keep records → Archive.
- Never used, no enrollments, want it gone → Delete.

## Related

- [Unpublish instead?](https://prolaud.com/help/course-publish-unpublish)
- [Trash & restore](https://prolaud.com/help/trash-restore)
- [Keep a version before deleting](https://prolaud.com/help/course-versions)