> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nuvolos.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nuvolos.com/reference/data-storage/removing-data.md).

# Removing data

In Nuvolos, datasets and their tables are stored persistently and tracked within an **instance** across all its **snapshots**. This design ensures consistency and reproducibility, but it also means that data is **not automatically deleted** from storage when only removed from the current state.

**Key Concepts:**

* **Snapshots are immutable**: Once a snapshot is created, it preserves the state of the instance at that point in time. You cannot selectively modify or remove parts of a snapshot.
* **Shared data references**: Tables deleted in the current state may still be retained in older snapshots, which continue to reference the same underlying data.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Deleting a table from the current state alone does not free up storage space.\
All snapshots that still reference the table must also be deleted to fully release the associated storage.
{% endhint %}

This is expected and intentional behavior in Nuvolos, ensuring that historical states remain intact unless explicitly removed.

**To fully delete a table and reclaim storage:**

1. **Delete the table in the current state**, *and*
2. **Delete all snapshots** that still contain the table.

Only once no references remain - in either the current state or any snapshots - will the data be permanently removed from storage.


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