How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin

This wikiHow article will teach you the simple and easy steps to directly delete files without sending them to the Recycle Bin. Deleting files on the spot is a quick and convenient way to delete files without having to go into the Recycle...
Method 1 of 2:

Setting Files to Always Permanently Delete by Default

  1. How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 1How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 1
    Open the Recycle Bin Properties. Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop and click Properties.
    1. You can also Open File Explorer, click the ⯈ arrow to the leftmost part of the address bar, select Recycle Bin from the dropdown, and select "Recycle Bin properties" under the Manage tab which Recycle Bin should've opened to by default.
  2. How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 2How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 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.
    1. 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. How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 3How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 3
    Save your changes. Click the OK button.
  4. How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 4How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 4
    Finished. Deleting a file will permanently remove it from your computer instead of sending it to the Recycle Bin.
    1. 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 2 of 2:

Using the Keyboard Shortcut When Deleting Files

  1. How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 5How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 5
    Select one or more files to delete. You may do this in File Explorer or on the desktop.
  2. How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 6How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 6
    Hold down the Shift keyboard key.
  3. How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 7How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 7
    Delete the file. Either press the Del keyboard key or right-click over one of the selected files and choose Delete.
  4. How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 8How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin Picture 8
    Confirm the file deletion, if prompted. Click the Yes button if a message appears asking you to confirm whether you want to delete the selected file(s).
4 ★ | 2 Vote