Definitive Guide- How to Permanently Delete Files from Your Computer for Good

How to Delete File Permanently from Computer

In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon to accumulate a vast amount of files on our computers. While some files are important and should be kept safe, others may be unnecessary or even harmful. Deleting these files is essential to maintain the performance and security of your computer. However, simply deleting a file from your computer may not be enough to ensure its permanent removal. In this article, we will guide you on how to delete files permanently from your computer, ensuring that they are completely erased and cannot be recovered.

1. Use the Delete and Empty Recycle Bin Method

The most common way to delete files is by using the delete function in your computer’s file explorer. Once you’ve selected the file you want to delete, press the “Delete” key on your keyboard or right-click on the file and choose “Delete.” This action moves the file to the Recycle Bin, a temporary storage location for deleted files.

To permanently delete the file, you need to empty the Recycle Bin. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop.
2. Once the Recycle Bin is open, click on the “Empty Recycle Bin” button, which is usually located in the upper-right corner of the window.
3. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Yes” to confirm the deletion.

2. Use the Shift + Delete Method

Another way to delete files permanently is by using the Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut. This method bypasses the Recycle Bin and deletes the file immediately.

To delete a file using the Shift + Delete method:

1. Select the file you want to delete.
2. Press and hold the “Shift” key on your keyboard.
3. While holding the Shift key, press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
4. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Yes” to confirm the deletion.

3. Use a File Shredder Tool

If you want to ensure that a file is completely and irreversibly deleted, you can use a file shredder tool. These tools overwrite the file with random data multiple times, making it impossible to recover the original file.

Here are some popular file shredder tools:

1. CCleaner: This tool offers a file shredder feature that can permanently delete files.
2. Eraser: A free and open-source file shredder that can securely delete files and folders.
3. File Shredder: A simple and straightforward file shredder that can be used to delete files permanently.

To use a file shredder tool:

1. Download and install the file shredder of your choice.
2. Open the tool and select the file or folder you want to delete permanently.
3. Choose the number of passes you want to perform (the higher the number, the more secure the deletion).
4. Click “Shred” or “Delete” to begin the process.

4. Use the Command Prompt

If you’re comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can delete files permanently by using specific commands. This method is particularly useful for deleting multiple files or entire directories.

To delete files using the Command Prompt:

1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing “Windows Key + R,” typing “cmd,” and pressing “Enter.”
2. Navigate to the directory containing the file you want to delete using the “cd” command.
3. Use the “del” command followed by the file name to delete the file. For example, “del filename.ext.”
4. To delete multiple files, use wildcards. For example, “del .txt” will delete all text files in the current directory.

Remember to be cautious when using the Command Prompt, as incorrect commands can delete important files.

In conclusion, deleting files permanently from your computer is essential to maintain its performance and security. By using the methods outlined in this article, you can ensure that your deleted files are completely and irreversibly removed from your computer.