How to set Recycle Bin to permanently delete files in Windows 10

[JamieKavanagh]

Personally, I prefer the Recycle Bin to hold files for a while in case I need them again. That’s because I do have a tendency to accidentally delete files I later need. I know others don’t both and would rather delete files there and then to keep their drives clean. If you’re one of them and want to set Recycle Bin to permanently delete files in Windows 10, here’s how to do it.

Permanently delete files immediately in Windows 10
You have two options to permanently delete files immediately in Windows 10, a shortcut and a permanent setting.

To delete a file permanently without altering the Recycle Bin:

1. Highlight the file you want to delete.
2. Hold down Shift and tap the Delete key.
3. Confirm file deletion. The file will bypass the Recycle Bin and be permanently deleted.

To set the Recycle Bin to permanently delete files in Windows 10
You can of course set the Recycle Bin to automatically delete files in Windows 10 without holding them for a while first.

1. Right click the Recycle Bin and select Properties.
2. Highlight the drive you want to permanently delete files from.
3. Select the ‘Don’t move files to the Recycle Bin…’ option and click OK.
4. Repeat for all drives you want to modify.

Setting to permanently delete files is not for the faint hearted. Once you consign something to the Recycle Bin, that’s it. Only a file recovery tool will be able to get it back so be careful!

Tom’s Hardware Windows 10 tutorials also include:
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