{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T21:13:09+00:00","modifiedTime":"2017-06-19T19:21:20+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:01+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Computers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33513"},"slug":"computers","categoryId":33513},{"name":"Basic Skills","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33514"},"slug":"basic-skills","categoryId":33514}],"title":"How to Delete a Computer File or Folder","strippedTitle":"how to delete a computer file or folder","slug":"for-seniors-how-to-delete-a-computer-file-or-folder","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"If you decide that you no longer need a file or folder, you can clear up clutter on your computer by deleting it. Remember, though, that when you delete a file ","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"If you decide that you no longer need a file or folder, you can clear up clutter on your computer by deleting it. Remember, though, that when you delete a file or folder in Windows, it’s not really gone. It’s removed to the Recycle Bin.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Windows periodically purges older files from the Recycle Bin, but if you change your mind about a file or folder you deleted, you may still be able to retrieve them. To try to restore a deleted file or folder, double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. Right-click the file or folder and choose Restore. Windows restores the file to wherever it was when you deleted it.</p>\r\nTo delete a computer file or folder:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Locate the file or folder by using Windows Explorer.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">To do so, right-click Start and choose Open Windows Explorer and then browse to locate the file you want to delete.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">In Windows Explorer, right-click the file or folder that you want to delete and then choose Delete.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/212352.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"399\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Delete File dialog box appears.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click Yes to delete the file.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Instead of right-clicking and choosing Delete from the menu that appears earlier, you can press the Delete key on your keyboard.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","description":"If you decide that you no longer need a file or folder, you can clear up clutter on your computer by deleting it. Remember, though, that when you delete a file or folder in Windows, it’s not really gone. It’s removed to the Recycle Bin.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Windows periodically purges older files from the Recycle Bin, but if you change your mind about a file or folder you deleted, you may still be able to retrieve them. To try to restore a deleted file or folder, double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. Right-click the file or folder and choose Restore. Windows restores the file to wherever it was when you deleted it.</p>\r\nTo delete a computer file or folder:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Locate the file or folder by using Windows Explorer.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">To do so, right-click Start and choose Open Windows Explorer and then browse to locate the file you want to delete.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">In Windows Explorer, right-click the file or folder that you want to delete and then choose Delete.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/212352.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"399\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Delete File dialog box appears.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click Yes to delete the file.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Instead of right-clicking and choosing Delete from the menu that appears earlier, you can press the Delete key on your keyboard.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33514,"title":"Basic Skills","slug":"basic-skills","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33514"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":172026,"title":"Repurposing Items for Beautiful Holiday Decorating","slug":"decorating-for-the-holidays-with-what-you-already-have","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","crafts","gifts-holidays"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/172026"}},{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":193770,"title":"How to Play Rummy: All You Need to Know","slug":"rummy-understanding-the-rules-and-starting-a-game","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","games","card-games","general-card-games"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/193770"}},{"articleId":153792,"title":"Format Numbers in Thousands and Millions in Excel Reports","slug":"format-numbers-in-thousands-and-millions-in-excel-reports","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","excel"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/153792"}},{"articleId":147241,"title":"How to Use the Z-Table","slug":"how-to-use-the-z-table","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","math","statistics"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/147241"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":248604,"title":"How to Run a Scan on Your Windows 10 Laptop with Windows Defender","slug":"run-scan-windows-10-laptop-windows-defender","categoryList":["technology","computers","basic-skills"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/248604"}},{"articleId":248601,"title":"Understanding Windows Update Options","slug":"understanding-windows-update-options","categoryList":["technology","computers","basic-skills"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/248601"}},{"articleId":248598,"title":"Understanding Security Threats to Your Windows 10 Laptop","slug":"understanding-security-threats-windows-10-laptop","categoryList":["technology","computers","basic-skills"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/248598"}},{"articleId":248595,"title":"How to Go Online Using Your Laptop’s Cellular Network","slug":"go-online-using-laptops-cellular-network","categoryList":["technology","computers","basic-skills"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/248595"}},{"articleId":248588,"title":"How to Use Microsoft’s Discussion Board","slug":"use-microsofts-discussion-board","categoryList":["technology","computers","basic-skills"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/248588"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":true,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281752,"slug":"laptops-for-seniors-for-dummies","isbn":"9781394152162","categoryList":["technology","computers","basic-skills"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1394152167/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1394152167/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1394152167-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1394152167/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1394152167/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/covers/9781394152162.jpg","width":250,"height":350},"title":"Laptops For Seniors For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"8999\">Nancy C. Muir</b></b> is the owner of a writing and consulting company that specializes in business and technology topics. She is the author of more than 100 books, and she has taught technology courses online. <p><b>Nancy C. Muir</b> is the owner of a writing and consulting company that specializes in business and technology topics. She is the author of more than 100 books, and she has taught technology courses online.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":8999,"name":"Nancy C. Muir","slug":"nancy-c-muir","description":" <p><b>Nancy C. Muir</b> is the owner of a writing and consulting company that specializes in business and technology topics. She is the author of more than 100 books, and she has taught technology courses online. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8999"}},{"authorId":9025,"name":"Faithe Wempen","slug":"faithe-wempen","description":" <p><b>Nancy C. Muir</b> is the owner of a writing and consulting company that specializes in business and technology topics. She is the author of more than 100 books, and she has taught technology courses online. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9025"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/281752"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["technology","computers","basic-skills"]},{"key":"isbn","values":[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b157069e\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["technology","computers","basic-skills"]},{"key":"isbn","values":[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b15767b5\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":191626},"articleLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{},"objectTitle":"","status":"initial","pageType":null,"objectId":null,"page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{},"filterDataLoadedStatus":"initial","pageSize":10},"adsState":{"pageScripts":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2024-11-22T05:50:01+00:00"},"adsId":0,"data":{"scripts":[{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"\r\n<script src=\"https://cdn.optimizely.com/js/10563184655.js\"></script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"\r\n<script>var _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1: \"2\", c2: \"15097263\" });(function() {var s = document.createElement(\"script\"), el = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; s.async = true;s.src = (document.location.protocol == \"https:\" ? \"https://sb\" : \"http://b\") + \".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\";el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();</script><noscript><img src=\"https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=15097263&cv=2.0&cj=1\" /></noscript>\r\n","enabled":true},{"pages":["all"],"location":"footer","script":"\r\n<script type='text/javascript'>\r\n(function(){var g=function(e,h,f,g){\r\nthis.get=function(a){for(var a=a+\"=\",c=document.cookie.split(\";\"),b=0,e=c.length;b<e;b++){for(var d=c[b];\" \"==d.charAt(0);)d=d.substring(1,d.length);if(0==d.indexOf(a))return d.substring(a.length,d.length)}return null};\r\nthis.set=function(a,c){var b=\"\",b=new Date;b.setTime(b.getTime()+6048E5);b=\"; expires=\"+b.toGMTString();document.cookie=a+\"=\"+c+b+\"; path=/; \"};\r\nthis.check=function(){var a=this.get(f);if(a)a=a.split(\":\");else if(100!=e)\"v\"==h&&(e=Math.random()>=e/100?0:100),a=[h,e,0],this.set(f,a.join(\":\"));else return!0;var c=a[1];if(100==c)return!0;switch(a[0]){case \"v\":return!1;case \"r\":return c=a[2]%Math.floor(100/c),a[2]++,this.set(f,a.join(\":\")),!c}return!0};\r\nthis.go=function(){if(this.check()){var a=document.createElement(\"script\");a.type=\"text/javascript\";a.src=g;document.body&&document.body.appendChild(a)}};\r\nthis.start=function(){var t=this;\"complete\"!==document.readyState?window.addEventListener?window.addEventListener(\"load\",function(){t.go()},!1):window.attachEvent&&window.attachEvent(\"onload\",function(){t.go()}):t.go()};};\r\ntry{(new g(100,\"r\",\"QSI_S_ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\",\"https://zn5o5yqpvmvjgdoun-wiley.siteintercept.qualtrics.com/SIE/?Q_ZID=ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\")).start()}catch(i){}})();\r\n</script><div id='ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN'></div>\r\n","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"\r\n<script>\r\n (function(h,o,t,j,a,r){\r\n h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)};\r\n h._hjSettings={hjid:257151,hjsv:6};\r\n a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')[0];\r\n r=o.createElement('script');r.async=1;\r\n r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv;\r\n a.appendChild(r);\r\n })(window,document,'https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-','.js?sv=');\r\n</script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["article"],"location":"header","script":" <script src=\"//get.s-onetag.com/bffe21a1-6bb8-4928-9449-7beadb468dae/tag.min.js\" async defer></script>","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage"],"location":"header","script":"<meta name=\"facebook-domain-verification\" content=\"irk8y0irxf718trg3uwwuexg6xpva0\" />","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage","article","category","search"],"location":"footer","script":"\r\n<noscript>\r\n<img height=\"1\" width=\"1\" src=\"https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=256338321977984&ev=PageView&noscript=1\"/>\r\n</noscript>\r\n","enabled":true}]}},"pageScriptsLoadedStatus":"success"},"navigationState":{"navigationCollections":[{"collectionId":287568,"title":"BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-entry-level-entrepreneur-287568"},{"collectionId":293237,"title":"Be a Rad Dad","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/be-the-best-dad-293237"},{"collectionId":295890,"title":"Career Shifting","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/career-shifting-295890"},{"collectionId":294090,"title":"Contemplating the Cosmos","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/theres-something-about-space-294090"},{"collectionId":287563,"title":"For Those Seeking Peace of Mind","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-those-seeking-peace-of-mind-287563"},{"collectionId":287570,"title":"For the Aspiring Aficionado","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-bougielicious-287570"},{"collectionId":291903,"title":"For the Budding Cannabis Enthusiast","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-budding-cannabis-enthusiast-291903"},{"collectionId":299891,"title":"For the College Bound","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-college-bound-299891"},{"collectionId":291934,"title":"For the Exam-Season Crammer","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-exam-season-crammer-291934"},{"collectionId":301547,"title":"For the Game Day Prepper","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/big-game-day-prep-made-easy-301547"}],"navigationCollectionsLoadedStatus":"success","navigationCategories":{"books":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/books/level-0-category-0"}},"articles":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/articles/level-0-category-0"}}},"navigationCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"searchState":{"searchList":[],"searchStatus":"initial","relatedArticlesList":[],"relatedArticlesStatus":"initial"},"routeState":{"name":"Article3","path":"/article/technology/computers/basic-skills/for-seniors-how-to-delete-a-computer-file-or-folder-191626/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{"category1":"technology","category2":"computers","category3":"basic-skills","article":"for-seniors-how-to-delete-a-computer-file-or-folder-191626"},"fullPath":"/article/technology/computers/basic-skills/for-seniors-how-to-delete-a-computer-file-or-folder-191626/","meta":{"routeType":"article","breadcrumbInfo":{"suffix":"Articles","baseRoute":"/category/articles"},"prerenderWithAsyncData":true},"from":{"name":null,"path":"/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{},"fullPath":"/","meta":{}}},"dropsState":{"submitEmailResponse":false,"status":"initial"},"profileState":{"auth":{},"userOptions":{},"status":"success"}}

How to Delete a Computer File or Folder

Updated: 06-19-2017

Laptops For Seniors For Dummies

Book image

Explore Book Buy On Amazon

If you decide that you no longer need a file or folder, you can clear up clutter on your computer by deleting it. Remember, though, that when you delete a file or folder in Windows, it’s not really gone. It’s removed to the Recycle Bin.

Windows periodically purges older files from the Recycle Bin, but if you change your mind about a file or folder you deleted, you may still be able to retrieve them. To try to restore a deleted file or folder, double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. Right-click the file or folder and choose Restore. Windows restores the file to wherever it was when you deleted it.

To delete a computer file or folder:

Locate the file or folder by using Windows Explorer.

To do so, right-click Start and choose Open Windows Explorer and then browse to locate the file you want to delete.
In Windows Explorer, right-click the file or folder that you want to delete and then choose Delete.

The Delete File dialog box appears.
Click Yes to delete the file.

Instead of right-clicking and choosing Delete from the menu that appears earlier, you can press the Delete key on your keyboard.

About This Article

This article can be found in the category:

Basic Skills ,