To delete a file or folder on a Windows operating system, you must have the appropriate permissions and privileges to do so. Depending on what version of Windows you’re using, the steps for deleting files and folders may vary slightly.
In this article we will provide the basic steps for deleting files and folders in Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.
Steps to Delete a File in Windows 10
1. Locate the file you want to delete in Windows Explorer.
2. Right-click the file, then select Delete.
3. Confirm you want to delete the file by clicking Delete when prompted.
4. The file will now be moved to the Recycle Bin and will remain there until it is emptied.
Note: If you do not wish to keep the file in the Recycle Bin and want to permanently delete the file, you can select “Delete permanently” from the menu when prompted.
Steps to Delete a Folder in Windows 10
1. Open Windows Explorer and locate the folder you wish to delete.
2. Right-click the folder and select Delete.
3. Confirm you want to delete the folder by clicking Delete when prompted.
4. The folder and all files and subfolders contained within it will be moved to the Recycle Bin and will remain there until it is emptied.
Note: If you do not wish to keep the folder in the Recycle Bin and want to permanently delete it, you can select “Delete permanently” from the menu when prompted.
Steps to Delete Files and Folders Using Command Prompt in Windows 10
1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Type “del” followed by the file or folder path and press Enter.
3. The file or folder will be deleted.
Steps to Delete a File in Windows 8.1, 8 and 7
1. Locate the file you want to delete in Windows Explorer.
2. Right-click the file, then select Delete.
3. Confirm you want to delete the file by clicking Yes when prompted.
4. The file will be deleted immediately and will not be moved to the Recycle Bin.
Steps to Delete a Folder in Windows 8.1, 8 and 7
1. Open Windows Explorer and locate the folder you wish to delete.
2. Right-click the folder and select Delete.
3. Confirm you want to delete the folder by clicking Yes when prompted.
4. The folder and all files and subfolders contained within it will be deleted immediately and will not be moved to the Recycle Bin.
Steps to Delete Files and Folders Using Command Prompt in Windows 8.1, 8 and 7
1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Type “rd” followed by the file or folder path and press Enter.
3. The file or folder will be deleted.
That’s all the steps you need to delete a file or folder in Windows. You may also want to empty your Recycle Bin to free up space on your hard drive. To do this, simply right-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, then select Empty Recycle Bin.