How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin

This updated guide examines How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Steps

Method 1of 2:

Setting Files to Always Permanently Delete by Default

1. Open the Recycle Bin Properties. Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop and clickProperties.
   • You can also Open File Explorer, click the ? arrow to the leftmost part of the address bar, selectRecycle Binfrom the dropdown, and select "Recycle Bin properties" under theManagetab which Recycle Bin should've opened to by default.
2. Choose the "Don't move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted." It's underneath the "Settings for selected location" section.
   • In Windows XP, this will appear as a checkbox instead of a radio button and will be close to the top of the Recycle Bin Properties window.
3. Save your changes. Click theOKbutton.
4. Finished. Deleting a file will permanently remove it from your computer instead of sending it to the Recycle Bin.
   • To reverse your changes, re-open the Recycle Bin Properties and switch to the "Custom size" option. In Windows XP, uncheck the box that you previously checked.

Method 2of 2:

Using the Keyboard Shortcut When Deleting Files

1. Select one or more files to delete. You may do this in File Explorer or on the desktop.
2. Hold down the?Shiftkeyboard key.
3. Delete the file. Either press theDelkeyboard key or right-click over one of the selected files and chooseDelete.
4. Confirm the file deletion, if prompted. Click theYesbutton if a message appears asking you to confirm whether you want to delete the selected file(s).