How to delete a file permanently without sending it to the Recycle bin on Windows 10

1. Introduction
2. Why permanently delete a file?
3. How to delete files permanently in Windows 10?
4. How do I enable delete confirmation in Windows 10?
5. Read further

Do you want to delete a file without going through the recycle bin! We will show you how to configure Windows to permanently delete your files without going through it. This saves you space on your disk. It is also possible to configure Windows to ask you before deleting a file.

Why permanently delete a file?

When you delete a file or folder in Microsoft Windows, it will be moved to a special folder called Recycle Bin. The Windows Recycle Bin contains all files and folders that you previously deleted.
As long as the files are in the recycle bin they will always occupy space in the volume of your desktop, they are recoverable with the command "restore". "Empty the Recycle Bin" will permanently delete the items and frees up space on the hard drive.
However, if you no longer need these files, Windows allows you to delete directly, without sending them to the trash.
Now, one way to do this is to use " Shift + Delete key " combination. But if you do not intend to recover the deleted files from the Recycle Bin, you can enable Windows to automatically delete files permanently.

How to delete files permanently in Windows 10?

To permanently delete the files in Windows 10, follow these steps:

1- Right click on the recycle bin folder on your desktop

2- Click on « Properties »

3- In the properties, select the drive for which you want to delete the files permanently.

4- On Settings for the selected location, click the radio button to no longer move files to the Recycle Bin and delete the files immediately after they are deleted.

Note: You must do these steps for each drive separately.

5- Click « Apply » to save the settings then click « Ok » to save and exit the properties of the Recycle Bin.

Now you have configured Windows to delete your files permanently.
Note: It will not be easy to recover these files after their deletions. So you have to be very careful when using this function, otherwise you will lose important files.

How do I enable Delete Confirmation in Windows 10?

You can activate the Delete dialog box in Windows 10 by following these steps:

1. Go to your desktop.

2. Open the recycle bin properties

3. Select “Display delete confirmation dialogue”

Note: You do not have to do it for each drive.

4. Click "Apply” to save the settings then click "Ok" to save and exit the properties of the Recycle Bin.
Windows will now prompt you for confirmation before deleting any files. This option also works if you set the files to be sent to the Recycle Bin.

If you have anything else to add, tell us in the comments below.
Click here for more Windows tips articles.