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Using the Computer Recycle Bin and Deleting Files
In our previous lesson, we learnt how to move around files in File Explorer. Another important function you will need to master too is using the computer Recycle Bin. So if you are blind or visually impaired or maybe you just want to know the keyboard shortcuts which will allow you to delete files, use the Recycle Bin and restore files from the Recycle Bin, continue reading. A table with all the relevant keyboard shortcuts for this lesson is at the bottom of the page.
Deleting Files and Folders
Firstly, let us look at how to delete a file or folder. There are two ways. For both methods, you must first locate the file or folder that you wish to remove from your computer. So, if the file is in the Documents folder, you would first have to open up this folder to find the particular file you are looking for within its contents. Not quite sure how to do that? Go to our lesson on “Using file Explorer“.
After finding the file, complete one of the following steps. Either:
Press the Applications key, Down arrow to “Delete” and then press Enter,
Or
Just hit the Delete key on your keyboard.
Which seems easier? That is a no brainer, it is much easier and quicker to press the Delete key on your keyboard and the file will go!
What is the Windows Computer Recycle Bin?
The computer Recycle Bin is a system folder in Windows that functions as a temporary storage area for deleted files and folders. The purpose of the Recycle Bin is to provide a safety net for accidental deletion of data, preventing loss of important information. It allows users to restore deleted files if needed.
When a file is deleted from the computer, it is moved to the Recycle Bin, where it is stored until the user empties the Recycle Bin or restores the deleted file. Please note, however, that when you delete a file or folder from other storage devices connected to the computer, it is not sent to the Recycle Bin but actually permanently deleted. For example, if you hit Delete on a file which is stored on your flash drive connected to your computer, that file will be permanently deleted. So be careful! To combat this, Windows usually displays a dialogue box giving details about the file you are trying to remove and asking you if you are sure that you want it deleted. If you are sure you want it gone, press Enter on the “Yes” button which is usually selected by default. If you do not want it permanently deleted, just hit Escape.
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Using the Computer Recycle Bin
To open the computer Recycle Bin, follow these steps:
Press Windows +D. This will take you to the Desktop.
Use the Arrow keys or press the letter “R” [using first letter navigation] to locate the Recycle Bin icon.
Then press Enter.
You will now have the Recycle Bin open and you will find yourself in the list of items in it. These items are files or folders which had been previously deleted from your computer. To go through this list, simply use your Up or Down arrow keys.
Restoring Files or Folders from the Computer Recycle Bin
Did you accidently delete a file from your computer? Not a problem. You can find it in the Recycle Bin and restore it. That means, remove it from the recycle Bin and send it back to its original position. So if you accidently removed a file from the Pictures folder, then restoring it from the Recycle Bin would see it going back to the Pictures folder. Here are the steps to restore a file or folder:
Use the Up or Down arrows or first letter navigation in the Recycle Bin list to locate the accidently deleted file or folder.
Press the Applications key to open the context menu.
Down arrow to “restore” and then press Enter.
That is all there is to it. The file has been sent back.
How to Permanently Delete Files from Computer Recycle Bin or Otherwise
Of course there are going to be times when you will want to totally get rid of a file as well as you will want to clear up your Recycle Bin to free up space on your computer. To permanently delete files or folders from your computer, you can either seek to do so directly from File Explorer or go through the Recycle Bin.
To permanently delete from File Explorer, simply locate the file or folder that you want to remove. Then, press the keystroke Shift + Delete. Windows will display a dialogue box asking if you are sure that you want that item permanently deleted. Just press Enter on “Yes” which is usually selected by default. With that method, the file or folder does not go to the Recycle Bin at all but is permanently removed from your machine.
If the file or folder you want to totally remove was previously deleted and sent to the Recycle Bin, then you can go there to get it permanently deleted. Here are the steps:
Open the Recycle Bin using the steps above.
In the list of deleted items that comes up, use your arrow keys or first letter navigation to find the file or folder you want to permanently delete.
Press Delete.
In the dialogue box that comes up asking if you are sure, press Enter on “Yes”.
So basically it is a similar process to deleting from File Explorer. The difference is that hitting Delete on a file or folder in the Recycle Bin will cause it to be permanently deleted
How to Empty the Computer Recycle Bin
There are several ways to do this. Let us just look at one quick way. Follow these steps:
Open the Recycle Bin.
Press the keystroke CTRL + A. This will select all items in the Recycle Bin.
Press Delete.
Windows will bring up the dialogue box asking if you are sure you want to delete all those files, simply press Enter on “Yes”.
Voila! Your Recycle Bin is now clear.
In conclusion, using the Recycle Bin and deleting files on a Windows computer is relatively simple once you know the basic keyboard shortcuts and commands. Remember to always use caution when deleting files and folders on a whole but especially when deleting from other storage devices.
Take Away Keystrokes
Keystroke
Function
Delete
Removes a file or folder. If it was saved on the computer, then it will go to the Recycle Bin.
Shift + Delete
Permanently deletes files or folders from computer.
