How to Delete Files and Folders in Windows 11
Deleting files and folders in Windows 11 removes unwanted items from your computer.
You can easily delete items by pressing the Delete key, using the right-click menu, or dragging them to the Recycle Bin.
Getting rid of old files keeps your computer tidy and frees up important storage space, which helps your PC run faster. For example, temporary internet files can quickly take up gigabytes of space.
Delete files and folders in Windows 11 by pressing the Delete key, dragging them to the Recycle Bin, or right-clicking and selecting Delete. For permanent deletion, hold Shift while pressing Delete.
What happens when you delete files?
When you delete files in Windows 11, they usually go to the Recycle Bin first, acting like a temporary holding place.
How to move items to the Recycle Bin
To delete files in Windows 11 using the Recycle Bin, select the file or folder you want to remove and press the DELETE key on your keyboard. This moves the item to the Recycle Bin, meaning you can get it back later if you decide you still need it.
- Click the file or folder once to select it.
- Press the DELETE key on your keyboard.
- Alternatively, drag the item into the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
Click the file or folder once to select it, then press the DELETE key on your keyboard.
Alternatively, you can drag the item directly into the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. File Explorer’s toolbar also offers delete options.
For more choices, right-click the file, select “Show more options,” and then choose “Delete.”
How to restore deleted items
To restore deleted items in Windows 11, open the Recycle Bin from your desktop. Find the file or folder you want to bring back, select it, click the three dots in the toolbar, and then choose ‘Restore the selected items’ to put it back where it was.
- Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
- Select the item you want to get back.
- Click the three dots (ellipsis) in the toolbar.
- Select Restore the selected items.
Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
Select “Open.”
Click the file you want to retrieve.
Click “Restore the selected item” in the toolbar.
To bring everything back at once, choose Restore all items.
How to permanently delete files
To permanently delete files in Windows 11 without sending them to the Recycle Bin, select the file or folder first. Then, press and hold the SHIFT key on your keyboard, and while holding it down, press the DELETE key. This action will remove the item for good.
- Select the file or folder.
- Hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard.
- While holding SHIFT, press the DELETE key.
Click the file or folder once to select it.
Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
Press the DELETE key.
What is the difference between Delete and Shift+Del?
The standard Delete key moves files to the Recycle Bin, allowing for easy recovery. Shift+Del bypasses the Recycle Bin entirely, permanently removing the file from your drive. Use the latter only when you are certain you no longer need the data, as it is much harder to recover.
Advanced deletion and locked files
If a file is locked or won’t delete normally in Windows 11, you can use the Command Prompt (a text-based interface for running commands) to force its deletion, even if it’s a stubborn system file.
Run the following command to remove a file:
del /f /q "C:\Path\To\File.txt"Storage optimization and automation
Windows 11’s Storage Sense feature helps you automatically free up disk space by managing temporary files and emptying the Recycle Bin.
Summary
Managing your storage in Windows 11 involves knowing how to delete files, whether temporarily using the Recycle Bin or permanently with Shift+Del.
Does deleting a file from OneDrive also delete it from my PC?
Yes, if you have OneDrive syncing enabled, deleting a file from your synced folder will remove it from both your local PC and the cloud storage. Always check your OneDrive settings if you want to keep a local copy while removing the cloud version, or use Files On-Demand.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
I try to delete folder than under users, I got message: “This action can’t be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. Close the folder or file and try again.”
this folder is created by windows 11 and name is “defaultuser0”.
My question is: How to close this folder and file?
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