Windows 11, just like its predecessor Windows 10, does not ask for confirmation when you try to delete a file or folder. That is, when you select a file, right-click it and click the Delete icon, or select the file/folder and press the Delete key, the file/folder is deleted instantly. This might cause accidental deletions of file or folder.
Although the deleted files are present in the Recycle Bin and can be restored within 30 days, you might want to see a delete confirmation when you try to delete a file or folder. The delete confirmation prompt ensures you are not accidentally deleting files.
If you are not happy with the default behavior of the File Explorer in Windows 11, you can configure it to ask for confirmation when you delete a file or folder.
Once the delete confirmation dialog is enabled, you will see the delete confirmation prompt as soon as you try to delete a file/folder, where you need to click the Delete button to continue deleting the file.
Enable the Delete confirmation prompt in Windows 11
Here is how to configure Windows 11 to show a delete confirmation dialog.
Step 1: Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop and then click Properties to open its properties dialog. If the Recycle Bin icon is missing from the Desktop area, type Recycle Bin in the search bar and then hit the Enter key to open the same.
Tip: To restore the Recycle Bin icon, refer to our guide on how to add the Recycle Bin icon to the Windows 11 desktop.
Step 2: Here, check the Display delete confirmation dialog option before clicking the Apply button. That’s it! From now onwards, when you try to delete a file or folder, you will see a delete confirmation dialog on your screen.
Our guide on how to disable or turn off the Recycle Bin in Windows 11 might also interest you.
Amir says
The detail I had not considered is that deleted files stay restorable in the Recycle Bin for 30 days, so turning on the prompt is really about catching an accidental deletion before it becomes a habit, not about losing files instantly. The two-step fix is clear: right-click the Recycle Bin, open Properties, and check Display delete confirmation dialog before clicking Apply. My practical tip is to turn it on for any shared family PC first, since one extra click is a small price for avoiding a deleted school or work folder.
Harsh Kumar says
Handy guide. One tip for anyone managing shared or client machines: this setting is per-user, so enabling it on the admin account doesn’t turn it on for other user profiles – worth adding to your setup checklist. We enable it by default on all the client workstations we configure, and it has quietly saved more than a few ‘where did my folder go’ support tickets.
admin says
Hi Mayank,
Thanks for the kind words about IntoWindows. However, IntoWindows is not up for sale and I have no plans to part ways with this website that changed my life for good from nothing. Unable to post much as I am busy with a startup. Hope you understand.
Mayank says
Hi,
I run WindowsLatest.com and have followed IntoWindows for a while. it’s one of the few Windows sites that still feels genuinely reported rather than aggregated.
I’m exploring a small acquisition to bring a couple of independent Windows publications under one roof, keeping each site’s voice and editorial approach intact. IntoWindows would be a strong fit alongside what we’re building.
Would you be open to a short call to talk through what that could look like, and what you’d want out of a deal?
I’ve also emailed you.
Best,
Mayank Parmar
WindowsLatest.com