If you want to delete files in Microsoft Windows without sending them to the Recycle Bin, you can use Shift, or you can disable the Recycle Bin.

Use the Shift key

When deleting the file, press and hold Shift and then press Delete. Holding Shift is a great shortcut key for users wanting to still send files to the Recycle Bin by default, but want some files not sent to the Recycle Bin.

Using these methods may make it difficult or impossible to recover a file after it’s deleted.

Disable the Recycle Bin

Following the steps below disable the feature of sending files to the Recycle Bin for all files.

  • Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop and select Properties.
  • Select the option for “Do not move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted” or “Do not move items to recycling bin once deleted.”
  • Click Ok.

After following the steps above, you may also want to hide the Windows Recycle Bin desktop icon. For more information, see: How to hide or delete the Windows desktop Recycle Bin icon.

  • How to empty or manage the Windows Recycle Bin.
  • See the Recycle Bin definition for further information and related links.
  • Microsoft Windows help and support.