How do I delete a file in Windows?

The following steps show you how to delete a file in Windows. Before deleting any files, it is important to make sure you have a backup copy if you need it later.

1. Open My Computer, or File Explorer (depending on your version of Windows).

2. Navigate to the folder containing the file you wish to delete.

3. Right-click the file.

4. Select Delete.

5. Confirm that you wish to delete the file.

6. Watch as the file disappears from the folder.

7. If needed, empty the computer’s Recycle Bin by right-clicking on the Recycle Bin icon and selecting “Empty Recycle Bin”.

If you are using an older version of Windows, such as Windows 95, 98, or ME, the process may be different. To delete a file on these versions of Windows, follow these steps:

1. Open Computer.

2. Navigate to the folder containing the file you wish to delete.

3. Click once on the file.

4. Press the Delete key.

5. Confirm that you wish to delete the file.

6. Watch as the file disappears from the folder.

7. Empty the computer’s Recycle Bin by double-clicking on the Recycle Bin icon and then pressing the Empty Recycle Bin button.

When deleting files, always make sure you have backups of important files in case you need them later. Also, consider using a secure deletion tool such as Eraser or CCleaner to permanently erase files to prevent them from being recovered.