How to Permanently Delete Files on Windows 10?

Do you want to know how to permanently delete files on Windows 10? Accidentally deleting files can be a painful experience, but if you’re looking for a way to ensure they’re gone for good, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll outline the steps needed to securely and permanently delete files from your Windows 10 computer. With our simple guide, you can rest assured that those files are gone for good and won’t be coming back to haunt you. So, let’s get started!

Permanently Deleting Files Using Windows 10

Windows 10 is the latest version of Microsoft’s popular operating system, and includes features that make it easy to permanently delete files. Whether you’re looking to clear out space or delete sensitive information, Windows 10 provides you with the tools you need to securely and permanently delete files.

Using the Recycle Bin

One of the easiest ways to delete files in Windows 10 is to send them to the Recycle Bin. This is a temporary storage area for deleted files, and to permanently delete files from the Recycle Bin, simply right-click the file and select “Delete.” This will remove the file from your computer and it will no longer be recoverable.

Emptying the Recycle Bin

In order to permanently delete the files from your computer, you must empty the Recycle Bin. To do this, simply right-click on the Recycle Bin icon and select “Empty Recycle Bin.” This will permanently delete all of the files you have sent to the Recycle Bin.

Deleting Files Directly

You can also delete files directly from Windows 10, without sending them to the Recycle Bin. To do this, right-click on the file and select “Delete.” This will permanently delete the file from your computer, and it will not be recoverable.

Using the Command Line

If you’re looking to delete multiple files at once, you can use the command line. To open the command line, press the Windows key + R and type “cmd.” This will open the command line window. From here, you can type the command “del” followed by the name of the file you want to delete. This will permanently delete the file from your computer.

Deleting Multiple Files

If you want to delete multiple files at once, you can use the “del” command followed by an asterisk. For example, if you want to delete all of the files in a folder, you can type “del *” and it will delete all of the files in that folder.

Using Third-Party Software

If you’re looking for a more secure way to delete files, you can use third-party software. There are a variety of programs available that can securely delete files, such as Eraser and CCleaner. These programs can overwrite the data on your hard drive multiple times, making it virtually impossible to recover the deleted files.

Using File Shredding

Some third-party programs also offer a feature called “file shredding.” This is a process that overwrites the data on your hard drive multiple times, making it virtually impossible to recover the deleted files. It’s a great option if you’re looking to permanently delete sensitive information.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the process for permanently deleting files on Windows 10?

A1: To permanently delete files on Windows 10, you will need to use the “Shift + Delete” command. This command will bypass the Recycle Bin and delete the file or folder permanently. You can access the “Shift + Delete” command by right-clicking on the file or folder you want to delete and selecting “Delete”. After selecting the “Delete” option, you will need to press and hold down the “Shift” key while you click “OK” or “Yes” to confirm the deletion. This will ensure the file or folder has been deleted permanently from the hard drive.

Q2: How do I access the “Shift + Delete” command?

A2: You can access the “Shift + Delete” command by right-clicking on the file or folder you want to delete and selecting “Delete”. After selecting the “Delete” option, you will need to press and hold down the “Shift” key while you click “OK” or “Yes” to confirm the deletion. This will ensure the file or folder has been deleted permanently from the hard drive.

Q3: What should I do if I accidentally delete the wrong file or folder?

A3: If you accidentally delete the wrong file or folder, you can try to restore the deleted file or folder from the Recycle Bin. However, if you used the “Shift + Delete” command, then the file or folder has been permanently deleted and cannot be restored. In this case, you will need to use third-party data recovery software to try to recover the deleted files or folders.

Q4: Is there any other way to permanently delete files or folders?

A4: Yes, you can use a third-party file shredder program to securely delete files or folders from the hard drive. A file shredder program will overwrite the content of the file or folder multiple times before deleting it, making it impossible to recover the deleted files or folders.

Q5: Will deleting files or folders permanently free up space on my hard drive?

A5: Yes, deleting files or folders permanently will free up space on your hard drive. However, it is important to note that the deleted files or folders will still remain in the Recycle Bin until they are permanently deleted. Therefore, if you want to free up space on your hard drive, you will need to empty the Recycle Bin or use the “Shift + Delete” command to permanently delete the files or folders.

Q6: Is there any way to recover permanently deleted files or folders?

A6: It is possible to recover permanently deleted files or folders using third-party data recovery software. However, it is important to note that the success rate of recovering permanently deleted files or folders is not guaranteed. Therefore, it is always best to backup your important files or folders before deleting them permanently.

How to Securely and Completely Delete Files in Windows 10

Using the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and securely delete files from your Windows 10 PC. By following these steps, you can ensure your files are gone for good, leaving no trace behind. So, don’t hesitate any further, and start permanently deleting those unnecessary files from your Windows 10 computer today.