How to Delete Files Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 1, 2025

Deleting files might sound simple, but in Windows 11, there are several ways to do it — from using keyboard shortcuts to advanced methods like Command Prompt or PowerShell. Whether you want to free up storage space, remove clutter, or securely wipe sensitive data, this guide will walk you through every method step by step.

By the end of this article, you’ll know not only how to delete files in Windows 11, but also how to recover mistakenly deleted files, clear stubborn system files, and ensure files are permanently gone when needed.

Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)

  • You can delete files in Windows 11 using Delete key, right-click menu, File Explorer, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or third-party tools.

  • Recycle Bin stores deleted files temporarily, so you can recover them if needed.

  • To permanently delete files, use Shift + Delete, Storage Sense, or secure erasure tools.

  • Stubborn files that refuse to delete can often be removed using Safe Mode, Command Prompt, or unlocking processes.

Why Delete Files in Windows 11?

You might want to delete files for several reasons:

  • 🗑 Free up disk space when storage is full.

  • 🔄 Organize files and keep your system clean.

  • 🔒 Remove sensitive data for privacy.

  • 🖥 Improve performance by clearing clutter and temporary files.

Just like decluttering your home makes it easier to move around, deleting unnecessary files in Windows 11 makes your PC faster and more efficient.

Different Ways to Delete Files in Windows 11

1. Delete Files Using the Delete Key

The simplest method:

  1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).

  2. Navigate to the file you want to delete.

  3. Select the file and press Delete on your keyboard.

👉 The file moves to the Recycle Bin, so you can restore it if needed.

2. Right-Click and Delete

  1. Find the file or folder.

  2. Right-click it.

  3. Choose Delete from the context menu.

Simple and effective, especially for beginners.

3. Drag and Drop to Recycle Bin

  1. Locate the file.

  2. Drag it with your mouse and drop it onto the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

👉 Great for visual learners.

4. Permanently Delete with Shift + Delete

Want to skip the Recycle Bin? Use this method:

  1. Select the file.

  2. Press Shift + Delete.

  3. Confirm when Windows asks.

⚠️ Warning: These files cannot be restored from Recycle Bin.

5. Delete Files via File Explorer Ribbon Menu

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Select the file(s).

  3. On the top ribbon, click the trash bin icon.

This is a newer, Windows 11-style approach.

6. Use Storage Sense for Automatic Deletion

Windows 11 can delete temporary files automatically:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Storage.

  3. Turn on Storage Sense.

  4. Customize automatic deletion rules (like clearing temp files, OneDrive cache, etc.).

7. Delete Files via Command Prompt

Advanced users may prefer Command Prompt:

  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, and run as Administrator.

  2. Type:

    del "C:\path\to\file.txt"

  3. Hit Enter.

👉 Useful for stubborn files.

8. Delete Files with PowerShell

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

  2. Type:

    Remove-Item "C:\path\to\file.txt"

  3. Press Enter.

Use -Recurse to delete folders with all contents:

Remove-Item "C:\path\to\folder" -Recurse

9. Use Safe Mode to Delete Stubborn Files

Some files won’t delete because they’re in use. Solution: Safe Mode.

  1. Restart your PC.

  2. Hold Shift + Restart → Advanced Startup.

  3. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.

  4. Boot into Safe Mode.

  5. Delete the file normally.

10. Delete Files Locked by Processes

If an app is using the file:

  • Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) → End the process.

  • Then delete the file.

  • Or use third-party tools like Unlocker.

11. Clear Temporary Files with Disk Cleanup

  1. Press Win + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.

  2. Select your drive (usually C:).

  3. Tick boxes like Temporary files, System cache.

  4. Click OK → Delete Files.

12. Delete Files from OneDrive

If files are synced to OneDrive:

  1. Open OneDrive folder.

  2. Delete files like normal.

  3. They also move to OneDrive Recycle Bin online.

13. Delete Files via Windows Settings

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).

  2. Go to System > Storage > Temporary files.

  3. Select what you want to remove.

  4. Click Remove files.

14. Delete Files from Recycle Bin

When you delete a file normally, it’s not gone — it’s in Recycle Bin. To clear it:

  1. Right-click Recycle Bin.

  2. Select Empty Recycle Bin.

  3. Confirm.

15. Use Third-Party File Shredders (Secure Deletion)

If you want files permanently gone (cannot be recovered):

  • Tools like CCleaner, Eraser, or Wise Disk Cleaner can shred files securely.

  • This overwrites data so it can’t be restored.

👉 Recommended for sensitive documents.

Step-by-Step: Best Method for Beginners

Here’s a simple workflow for most users:

  1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).

  2. Right-click the file you want to delete.

  3. Select Delete.

  4. Open Recycle Bin and empty it for permanent deletion.

Comparing Deletion Methods

Method Permanent? Difficulty Best For
Delete Key No Easy Everyday use
Shift + Delete Yes Easy Quick permanent deletion
Command Prompt Yes Medium Stubborn files
PowerShell Yes Medium Advanced users
Storage Sense Auto Easy Ongoing cleanup
File Shredders Yes (secure) Medium Sensitive files

How to Recover Accidentally Deleted Files

Deleted the wrong file? Don’t panic:

  • Recycle Bin: Restore with a right-click → Restore.

  • File History / Backup: If enabled, recover older versions.

  • Third-party recovery tools like Recuva or EaseUS can help.

⚠️ If you used Shift + Delete or a file shredder, recovery may be impossible.

Conclusion

Deleting files in Windows 11 can be as simple as pressing Delete, or as advanced as using PowerShell and file shredders. Whether you want to free up space, keep your system organized, or permanently erase sensitive data, you now know all the methods available.

Remember:

  • Use Delete or Recycle Bin for normal cleanup.

  • Use Shift + Delete for permanent deletion.

  • Use Storage Sense for automation.

  • Use file shredders for secure erasure.

FAQs on Deleting Files in Windows 11

1. Where do deleted files go in Windows 11?
They first go to the Recycle Bin unless permanently deleted with Shift + Delete.

2. How do I permanently delete a file in Windows 11?
Select the file → press Shift + Delete → confirm.

3. Why can’t I delete a file?
It might be in use by an app. Close the app or restart your PC, then try again.

4. Can I recover deleted files in Windows 11?
Yes, if they’re in the Recycle Bin or you have backups. Otherwise, use recovery tools.

5. How do I delete large files quickly in Windows 11?
Use Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense, or PowerShell for bulk deletion.

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