5 Ways to Delete Files in Windows 11

In Windows 11 there are different types of files. There are documents, videos, images, executable files and more. These files are located in folders and can be opened and edited via Windows Explorer.

If a file or folder is deleted by the user with appropriate permissions, the file or folder will be placed in the trash. This is a temporary storage for deleted files.

Learning how to delete files in Windows is an important skill for any computer user. When you know how to delete files, you can free up space on your computer, organize your files, and protect your sensitive information by safely deleting it.

Furthermore, suppose you plan to share your computer with other users. In that case, learning how to delete files can help you keep your files private and prevent other users from accidentally or intentionally deleting important files.

There are several ways to delete a file or folder in Windows 11. I explain the most commonly used methods in this article. This allows you to increase your knowledge and work more easily and effectively where possible.

Delete files in Windows 11

Delete files with keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can be used to delete a file. By using a keyboard shortcut you can work effectively and quickly.

DELETE: The delete key on your keyboard helps to delete a file. The file is then moved to the trash.

SHIFT + DELETE: The keyboard shortcut combination shift + delete deletes a file immediately. The intermediate step of the trash can is skipped. The file is immediately and permanently deleted.

CTRL + D: The keyboard shortcut combination control + d deletes a file or folder. The file or folder is placed in the trash.

Delete files via Explorer

The Windows Explorer is the way to search through folders for files. In Explorer there is a so-called 'ribbon' or menu with icons. By clicking the delete icon, once selected, you can delete the file or folder by moving it to the trash.

Delete files via right mouse click (context menu)

A right mouse click on a file or folder opens the “context menu”. This is an additional menu with various options to open, edit or delete a file.

In Windows 11 there is a context menu with icons and text. The context menu with text can be opened by first pressing “show more options” to click.

You will see the context menu with the icons when you right-click on the file or folder.

Delete files via PowerShell

PowerShell in Windows 11 is a powerful scripting language and command-line shell designed for system administration and automation. It was developed by Microsoft and is an important part of the Windows operating system.

It also provides a way to delete files or folders. Right-click the Start Menu and choose 'Windows PowerShell' or search for 'PowerShell' in the Windows search field and select 'Windows PowerShell'.

If the file you want to delete is in a different folder than your current working directory, navigate to that folder first. To do this, use the command cd (change directory). This is not necessary, you can also add the path. I will explain both ways.

If you are already in the folder where you want to delete the file, you can use the command below:

Remove-Item 'PCTips.txt'

You replace PCTips.txt by the file extension you want to delete.

If you want to specify the path, you can use the following command:

Remove-Item 'c:\windows\PCTips.txt'

To permanently delete a file, provide the -Force argument. This is an example:

Remove-Item 'c:\windows\PCTips.txt' -Force

Delete files via Command Prompt

Command Prompt in Windows 11 is a command-line interface used to perform various tasks on a Windows computer. It provides a way to enter and execute computer commands via text commands.

You can also delete files or folders with it. This is how it works. Right-click the Start Menu and choose "Command Prompt," or search for "cmd" in the Windows search field and select "Command Prompt." You can also type 'cmd' in the Run dialog box (accessed via Win+R).

If the file you want to delete is in a different folder than your current working directory, navigate to that folder first. To do this, use the command cd (change directory). This is not necessary, you can also add the path. I will explain both ways.

If you are already in the folder where you want to delete the file, you can use the command below:

del PCTips.txt

You replace filename.exe with the file extension you want to delete.

If you want to specify the path, you can use the following command:

del 'c:\windows\PCTips.txt'

To delete a read-only file, provide the following additional option. This is an example:

del 'c:\windows\PCTips.txt' /f

I hope to have informed you with this. Thank you for reading!

Read more: Force delete file or folder.