uv / Python
uv venv --clear Deletes Project Directory: Dangerous --clear Flag Removes Parent Folder
fix uv venv clear deleting wrong files / recover files deleted by uv venv --clear Includes evidence for uv troubleshooting demand.
- Category
- Python
- Error signature
uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment- Quick fix
- Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
- Updated
What this error means
uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment is a uv failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix uv venv clear deleting wrong files / recover files deleted by uv venv —clear. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.
Why this happens
Reported 2026-05-13: user ran ‘uv venv . —clear’ which deleted the entire project directory. No warning or confirmation prompt before destructive action. Affects uv’s growing user base as the default Python package manager.
Common causes
- Running ‘uv venv . —clear’ in a project root silently deletes the entire project folder. This is a data-loss bug that affects any developer who accidentally uses ’.’ as the venv path with —clear. The command is destructive with no confirmation prompt.
- Reported 2026-05-13: user ran ‘uv venv . —clear’ which deleted the entire project directory. No warning or confirmation prompt before destructive action. Affects uv’s growing user base as the default Python package manager.
Quick fixes
- Confirm the exact error signature matches
uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment. - Check the uv account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
- Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
Platform/tool-specific checks
- Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
- Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
- Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.
Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
- Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
- Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
- Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
- Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.
How to prevent it
- Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
- Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
- Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.
Sources checked
Evidence note: Reported 2026-05-13: user ran ‘uv venv . —clear’ which deleted the entire project directory. No warning or confirmation prompt before destructive action. Affects uv’s growing user base as the default Python package manager.
Related errors
- uv sync does not recover from faulty packages
- uv python install races with concurrent find
FAQ
What should I check first?
Start with the exact uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment text and the smallest action that reproduces it.
Can I ignore this error?
No. Treat it as a failed uv workflow until the root cause is understood.
Is this guaranteed to have one fix?
No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.
How do I know the fix worked?
Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment.