As you already know, deleted files are automatically moved to the Recycle Bin on Windows PCs by default. Users can view deleted files and restore them (if they need to) by navigating to the Recycle Bin.
Because deleted files are moved to the Recycle Bin and not deleted, you might be wondering how to delete files without sending them to the Recycle Bin.
The following are the two ways to delete files without deleting them to the Recycle Bin in Windows 11.
Important: Remember that you or others who have access to your computer might be able to retrieve deleted files using file recovery software. So, even if you delete files by bypassing the Recycle Bin, your deleted files might be retrieved with advanced data recovery software.
Method 1 of 2
Delete files without moving to the Recycle Bin in Windows 11
Step 1: Navigate to the folder where you have files that you want to delete.
Step 2: Select the file that you wish to delete.
Step 3: Finally, hold down the Shift key and then press the Delete key to permanently delete the selected file(s) by bypassing the Recycle Bin.
If you get a confirmation dialog, click the Yes button.
Method 2 of 2
Another way to always delete files without sending them to the Recycle Bin
Step 1: Perform a right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop and then click Properties to access Recycle Bin settings.
NOTE: If the Recycle Bin icon is not showing up on the desktop, refer to the directions in our how to add Recycle Bin to Windows desktop guide.
Step 2: Here, select the “Don’t move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted” option.
Step 3: Lastly, click the Apply button to save the setting. That’s it! From now on, whenever you delete a file (using the context menu or any other method), files are deleted permanently and not sent to the Recycle Bin.
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