How to Delete Files from File EXPlorer on Windows 10

Deleting files is a common task that every computer user encounters, whether it’s to free up storage space or to remove unnecessary files. Windows 10 provides a user-friendly file explorer that allows users to navigate and manage their files efficiently. However, many people struggle with deleting files in the file explorer, as it can sometimes be confusing or result in errors. In this blog post, we will discuss various methods to delete files from file explorer on Windows 10, along with some additional tips and frequently asked questions.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Deleting Files from File Explorer on Windows 10

Deleting files from the file explorer on Windows 10 may seem like a simple task, but there are various challenges that users often face. One common issue is the "File in Use" error, which occurs when a file is being used by another program or process and cannot be deleted. Additionally, users may encounter permission errors, especially when trying to delete files from system folders or files that require administrator privileges. Lastly, it can be time-consuming to individually select and delete multiple files, especially when dealing with large amounts of data.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we delve into the methods of deleting files from file explorer on Windows 10, there are a few things you should prepare for. First, make sure you have the necessary permissions to delete the files you wish to remove. If you are trying to delete system files or files in protected folders, you may need to have administrator access. Additionally, consider creating a backup of any important files before deleting them, as once files are deleted, they are usually not recoverable unless you have a backup. Lastly, ensure that you have enough free disk space to accommodate the deletion of files, especially if you are dealing with large files or folders.

Method 1: Delete Files via Context Menu

Deleting files using the context menu is the quickest and easiest method. Follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows Key + E or by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
2. Navigate to the location of the file(s) you want to delete.
3. Select the file(s) you want to delete by clicking on them with the left mouse button. To select multiple files, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on the files.
4. Right-click on one of the selected files to open the context menu.
5. In the context menu, click on "Delete". Alternatively, you can press the Delete key on your keyboard.
6. A confirmation prompt will appear asking if you want to permanently delete the selected file(s). Click "Yes" to proceed.
7. The file(s) will be moved to the Recycle Bin, from where you can either restore them if needed or permanently delete them by emptying the Recycle Bin.

Pros:
1. Quick and easy method.
2. Can be used for deleting both individual files and multiple files simultaneously.
3. Deleted files are moved to the Recycle Bin, allowing for easy recovery if needed.

Cons:
1. Files are not permanently deleted until the Recycle Bin is emptied.
2. Can encounter permission errors when trying to delete certain files.

Method 2: Delete Files via Ribbon Menu

Another method to delete files from file explorer on Windows 10 is by using the ribbon menu. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the file(s) you want to delete.
2. Select the file(s) you want to delete by clicking on them with the left mouse button. To select multiple files, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on the files.
3. In the ribbon menu at the top of the File Explorer window, click on the "Home" tab.
4. In the "Organize" group, click on the "Delete" button. Alternatively, you can press the Delete key on your keyboard.
5. A confirmation prompt will appear asking if you want to permanently delete the selected file(s). Click "Yes" to proceed.
6. The file(s) will be moved to the Recycle Bin.

Pros:
1. Can be used for deleting both individual files and multiple files simultaneously.
2. Deleted files are moved to the Recycle Bin, allowing for easy recovery if needed.

Cons:
1. Files are not permanently deleted until the Recycle Bin is emptied.
2. Can be less efficient when needing to select and delete a large number of files.

Method 3: Delete Files via Keyboard Shortcut

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, you can delete files from file explorer on Windows 10 using a simple shortcut. Follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the file(s) you want to delete.
2. Select the file(s) you want to delete by clicking on them with the left mouse button. To select multiple files, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on the files.
3. Press the Shift + Delete keys on your keyboard simultaneously.
4. A confirmation prompt will appear asking if you want to permanently delete the selected file(s). Click "Yes" to proceed.
5. The file(s) will be permanently deleted and bypass the Recycle Bin.

Pros:
1. Allows for quick deletion of files without sending them to the Recycle Bin.
2. Useful for cases where you want to permanently delete files without the possibility of recovery.

Cons:
1. Files are permanently deleted and cannot be easily recovered if needed.
2. No option for restoring deleted files.

Method 4: Delete Files using Command Prompt

For advanced users who prefer using the command line, deleting files from file explorer on Windows 10 can be achieved through Command Prompt. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Command Prompt by pressing Windows Key + R, typing "cmd", and then pressing Enter.
2. Use the "cd" command to navigate to the location of the file(s) you want to delete. For example, if the files are in the "Documents" folder, type "cd Documents" and press Enter.
3. Once you are in the correct directory, use the "del" command followed by the name of the file(s) or wildcard symbol to delete multiple files. For example, to delete a file named "example.txt", type "del example.txt" and press Enter. To delete all text files in the directory, type "del *.txt" and press Enter.
4. The file(s) will be permanently deleted without being sent to the Recycle Bin.

Pros:
1. Provides advanced users with granular control over file deletion.
2. Allows for quick deletion of files without sending them to the Recycle Bin.

Cons:
1. Files are permanently deleted and cannot be easily recovered if needed.
2. Command line operations can be complex for inexperienced users.

Why Can’t I Delete Files from File Explorer on Windows 10?

There are several reasons why you may encounter difficulties when trying to delete files from file explorer on Windows 10. Here are some common reasons and their potential fixes:

1. File in Use: If a file is being used by another program or process, it cannot be deleted. Close any open programs or processes that may be using the file, then try deleting it again.
2. Permission Errors: If you are trying to delete system files or files in protected folders, you may encounter permission errors. Ensure that you have administrator access and the necessary permissions to delete the files.
3. Read-only Files: Some files may have the "Read-only" attribute enabled, which prevents them from being deleted. Right-click on the file, select "Properties", and remove the checkmark next to "Read-only" to allow for deletion.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to enhance your file deletion experience on Windows 10:

1. Empty Recycle Bin Regularly: To permanently delete files and free up disk space, remember to regularly empty the Recycle Bin. Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select "Empty Recycle Bin".
2. Use Third-party File Shredding Tools: If you want to ensure that deleted files are unrecoverable, consider using third-party file shredding tools that overwrite the deleted files with random data, making them virtually impossible to recover.
3. Keep System Files Intact: Exercise caution when deleting files from system folders, as deleting essential system files may cause instability or issues with your operating system.

5 FAQs about Deleting Files from File Explorer on Windows 10

Q1: Can I recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin?

A: Yes, deleted files are moved to the Recycle Bin, from where they can be easily restored by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Restore".

Q2: How can I permanently delete files without using the Recycle Bin?

A: Use the Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut to bypass the Recycle Bin and permanently delete files.

Q3: Can I selectively delete files based on file types?

A: Yes, you can search for specific file types in File Explorer by using the search bar and then delete the files that match the search criteria.

Q4: Can I recover files deleted using Command Prompt?

A: No, files deleted using Command Prompt bypass the Recycle Bin and are permanently deleted.

Q5: Is it possible to recover permanently deleted files?

A: It is generally not possible to recover permanently deleted files unless you have a backup or are using specialized data recovery software.

In Conclusion

Deleting files from file explorer on Windows 10 is a straightforward task once you are familiar with the different methods available. Whether you prefer using the context menu, ribbon menu, keyboard shortcuts, or the command line, Windows 10 provides multiple options for file deletion. Remember to exercise caution when deleting files, especially those in system folders, and regularly empty the Recycle Bin to free up disk space. By following the methods and tips outlined in this blog post, you can effectively manage your files and keep your computer organized.