How to Delete Files Directly Without Sending Them to Recycle Bin
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Pick your method. There are two methods to directly deleting files in Windows.
- Method 1 will show you how to delete files by right clicking on them and selecting Delete, which normally sends files to the Recycle Bin.
- Method 2 allows you to send files to the Recycle Bin, but also allows you to permanently delete them when necessary.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Method1
Changing the Right-Click Deletion Option
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1Right click the Recycle Bin and select “Properties”.
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2In the Recycle Bin Properties box, choose the “Do not move the files to the Recycle Bin” option.
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3Click the “OK” button.
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4After you have completed this, the actions that will usually send files to the Recycle Bin will permanently delete them.
- You can reverse this by choosing the option “Custom Size” in Recycle Bin Properties. (Untick the option “Do not move the files to the Recycle Bin” in Windows XP).
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1Right click the file that you want to delete permanently.
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2Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
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3While holding the Shift key, click Delete or press the Delete/Del button on you keyboard.
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4Confirm the file deletion and the file will be deleted permanently.
