> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.thundercompute.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Deleting Instances

> Terminate and delete instances using VSCode management tools. Clean up organization hardware and release resources when tasks are complete.

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="VS Code" icon="window" color="#95c5ea" className="platform-card platform-current">
    Editor extension
  </Card>

  <Card title="CLI" icon="terminal" href="/cli/operations/deleting-instances" color="#95c5ea" className="platform-card">
    Command line
  </Card>

  <Card title="Console" icon="browser" href="/console/operations/deleting-instances" color="#95c5ea" className="platform-card">
    Web interface
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Delete an Instance

<Warning>
  Deleting an instance permanently removes it and all associated data. This action cannot be undone. Consider [creating a snapshot](/vscode/operations/snapshots) first to back up your environment.
</Warning>

1. Open the Thunder Compute sidebar panel
2. Find the instance you want to delete
3. Click the delete button (trash icon) next to the instance
4. Confirm the deletion in the dialog

## Before Deleting

Before deleting an instance, make sure to:

1. **Download important files**: Use the VSCode file explorer to save any outputs, models, or data you need
2. **Create a snapshot**: If you want to restore your environment later, [create a snapshot](/vscode/operations/snapshots) first
3. **Push code to GitHub**: Commit and push any code changes to a remote repository

## Billing

Billing stops immediately when an instance is deleted. You are charged only for the time the instance was running.

Check your usage and billing details in the [console billing settings](https://console.thundercompute.com/settings/billing).