Generally when we delete files from our computer they move to the Recycle Bin and unless we remove them from the Recycle Bin, they don’t free up the space occupied by them in the hard drive. So how do we delete files permanently from our computer without having them move to the Recycle Bin? In this tutorial I will show you exactly how to do that with these few simple steps:
1. Using Shift + Delete
Though most computer users are aware of this method, a few still don’t know that they can delete files permanently using this method. Whenever you want to delete a file permanently, click on it and press the combination of Shift+Delete (hold Shift and Delete together) on your keyboard instead of pressing the Delete key only. A confirmation message will appear asking you whether you want to delete the file. Click on OK.
2. Changing the Recycle Bin Settings
If the first method seems to be boring and you want to automatically delete a file permanently instead of having to press Shift+Delete each time you want to delete a file, you can change the settings of the Recycle Bin and set them accordingly. Here are the steps for doing that:
- Right-click on the Recycle Bin on your desktop
- Click on Properties (located at the bottom of the list)
- The Recycle Bin Properties will appear
- Check the “Do not move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted” option.
- Click on Apply and press OK
From now on whenever you delete a file, it will permanently get deleted instead of moving to the Recycle Bin.