Deleting a project in MuseScore removes the file from your computer permanently

MuseScore stores each musical score as a separate project file. When you delete a project, you are deleting that file itself — not just closing it or hiding it. The file will no longer appear in MuseScore's recent projects list, and you will not be able to open it again unless you have a backup saved elsewhere.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you want to delete a file you have already saved to your computer, or a project you created in MuseScore but have not yet saved. Both methods take less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting a project in MuseScore removes the file permanently from your computer, so make sure you have a backup if you might need it later.
  • You can delete a saved project by right-clicking it in the recent projects list, or by opening your file manager and deleting the file directly.
  • If you have not saved a project yet, closing MuseScore without saving will discard it automatically.
  • MuseScore does not have a built-in trash or recovery feature, so deleted files cannot be restored from within the program.

Delete a saved project from the recent projects list

When you open MuseScore, the start screen shows a list of projects you have worked on recently. This is the fastest way to delete a file if you can see it there. Right-click on the project name or thumbnail, and a small menu will appear with a delete option. Click it, and MuseScore will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the file is deleted from your computer.

This method works only if the project still appears in your recent list. If you have opened many other projects since then, older ones may have scrolled off the list. In that case, use the file manager method instead.

Delete a project using your file manager

You can also delete a MuseScore project the same way you would delete any other file on your computer. Open your file manager (File Explorer on Windows, Finder on Mac, or your system's file browser on Linux). Navigate to the folder where you saved the project. MuseScore files have the extension .mscz (for compressed scores) or .mscx (for uncompressed scores).

Right-click the file and select delete, move to trash, or remove — the exact wording depends on your operating system. On most systems, the file will go to your trash or recycle bin first, so you can recover it if you change your mind before emptying the trash. Once you empty the trash, the file is gone permanently.

This method also works if you want to delete a project that no longer appears in MuseScore's recent list, or if you want to delete multiple projects at once.

Discard an unsaved project

If you have been working on a score in MuseScore but have not saved it yet, you can discard it by straightforward closing the program. When you close MuseScore, it will ask whether you want to save changes. Click "Don't Save" or "Discard," and the project will be deleted without being saved to your computer.

If you have already saved the project once, closing without saving will not delete the file — it will only discard any new changes you made since the last save. To delete the file itself, use one of the methods above.

Recover a deleted project from backup

MuseScore does not have a built-in recovery or undo feature for deleted files. Once you delete a project, it is gone from MuseScore. However, if your computer backs up files automatically (through Windows Backup, Time Machine on Mac, or a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive), you may be able to recover the file through those systems.

Check your backup software or cloud storage to see whether a previous version of the file exists. If you regularly save projects to a cloud folder, you can also check the folder's version history or trash to see whether the file is still there. Some cloud services keep deleted files for 30 days before removing them permanently.

Prevent accidental deletion

If you have projects you want to keep but do not use often, consider making a backup copy. You can do this by opening your file manager, finding the .mscz file, and copying it to a separate folder or external drive. Give the copy a clear name so you know it is a backup — for example, "Backup - Symphony No. 1.mscz."

You can also organize your projects into folders by genre, date, or purpose, so you know which ones are safe to delete and which ones you want to keep. MuseScore will still find and open them even if they are in subfolders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo a deletion in MuseScore?

No. MuseScore does not have an undo feature for deleted files. Once you delete a project, it is removed from your computer. Your only option is to recover it from a backup or from your system's trash or recycle bin if you have not emptied it yet.

What is the difference between .mscz and .mscx files?

.mscz is a compressed file format that takes up less storage space. .mscx is an uncompressed format that is slightly larger but can be opened by other music notation programs. Both are MuseScore project files and can be deleted the same way.

If I delete a project, will it affect other projects I have open?

No. Deleting one project file does not affect any other projects. Each project is a separate file, so removing one has no impact on the others.

Can I delete a project while it is open in MuseScore?

You can delete it using your file manager, but MuseScore may not when ready recognize that the file is gone. Close the project in MuseScore first, then delete the file. This prevents any confusion or potential data loss.