Why Would You Want to Delete Files?
There are a few main reasons why you may want to delete files on your computer:
- To free up disk space – Deleting unused or unnecessary files can help free up valuable storage space on your hard drive.
- To maintain privacy/security – Deleting sensitive files can help prevent confidential information from falling into the wrong hands if your device is lost, hacked, etc.
- To get rid of clutter – Deleting old files you no longer need can help keep your computer organized and decluttered.
- To reset a program/device – Sometimes deleting certain files/caches can help troubleshoot issues with apps or devices.
Knowing when and how to properly delete files is an important digital skill. A cluttered and disorganized computer can negatively affect performance and productivity. But you also want to be careful not to accidentally delete anything important!
How to Safely Delete Files on Windows
When working on a Windows PC, here are some best practices for safely deleting files:
1. Use the Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin is the primary location where deleted files are sent on Windows. When you delete a file, it’s not immediately removed from your system. Instead, it goes to the Recycle Bin where it can easily be retrieved if needed.
To send a file to the Recycle Bin:
- Right-click on the file/folder and select “Delete”
- Or highlight the item and press the Delete key
This moves the selected item to the Recycle Bin. To view or restore deleted items from the Recycle Bin:
- Open the Recycle Bin from the desktop icon or taskbar
- Select the items you want to restore and click “Restore”
Emptying the Recycle Bin completely removes all the files inside. So only permanently delete items from the Recycle Bin if you’re sure you no longer need them.
2. Bypass the Recycle Bin
You can also choose to permanently delete files without sending them to the Recycle Bin first:
- While pressing the Shift key, delete the item you want removed
- Or right-click the file/folder, select “Delete” then check “Permanently delete”
This will immediately and permanently remove the file from your system. Use this method cautiously on sensitive or important files.
3. Use the Command Prompt
For more advanced users, the Command Prompt provides additional options for secure deletion. Open the Command Prompt and use these commands:
- del – Deletes files/folders outside of the Recycle Bin
- erase – Overwrites file data to prevent recovery
- cipher – Permanently scrambles data of deleted files
- sdelete – Deletes file then overwrites freed disk space
Run “cipher /w” after deletion to help prevent forensic data recovery. Note that most delete commands in the Command Prompt do not remove files from solid state drives.
4. Use File Shredder Software
For maximum results, use a dedicated file shredder/wiper program. File shredders overwrite the data in a file or whole drive to make recovery impossible. Some popular options:
- Eraser
- MBRwizard
- KillDisk
- Disk Wipe
Research the tools carefully first, as some are more thorough than others when wiping files and drive space.
How to Delete Files on Mac
Here are the main methods for deleting files and folders on Mac OS:
1. Drag and Drop to Trash
The Trash is the Mac equivalent of the Recycle Bin in Windows. When you delete a file on a Mac, it’s sent to the Trash. To delete items:
- Click and drag the file/folder to the Trash icon in the Dock
- Or right click the item and choose “Move to Trash”
You can then right click on the Trash icon to view, restore or empty deleted files. As with Windows, empty the Trash carefully since it permanently removes all items.
2. Bypass the Trash
For immediate and permanent file deletion:
- Press and hold the Command key while dragging file to Trash
- Or right click the item, then click “Delete Immediately”
This will delete the file forever without using the Trash as a safety net.
3. Use the Terminal
The Terminal provides advanced deletion commands for power users:
- rm – Deletes files and folders outside the Trash
- srm – Overwrites data before deletion
- sfill – Fills freed drive space with random data
- nwipe – Securely overwrites entire drive
Run “sfill -v /Volumes/drive” after deletion to scrub freed space. Be very careful using the Terminal as mistakes can be difficult to recover from.
4. Use Shredding Software
There are also macOS file shredding programs that overwrite data to prevent forensic recovery:
- PermaShred
- ShredIt X
- FileShredder
- Disk Drill
Research thoroughly before downloading. Some are more user-friendly than others.
How to Delete Files on Linux
On Linux operating systems, files can be deleted in various ways:
1. Send to Trash Folder
Most Linux distributions have a Trash folder that stores deleted files temporarily:
- Right-click file/folder and select “Move to Trash”
- Or highlight item and press Delete key
Files remain in the Trash folder until it’s emptied. Restore deleted Linux files by navigating to the .local/share/Trash folder.
2. Bypass the Trash
To permanently delete files immediately:
- Press Shift + Delete keys on the file
- Or use “rm” command in the terminal
This removes files forever without using the Trash. Be extremely careful with this method.
3. Linux Terminal Commands
The Linux terminal provides advanced file deletion options:
- rm – Deletes files and directories outside Trash
- shred – Overwrites files multiple times before deleting
- srm – Secure recursive delete of files and folders
- wipe – Deletes then overwrites storage space
Use these carefully as they are powerful commands with little room for error.
4. Use Shredding Programs
There are also Linux file shredder programs that permanently delete data:
- Shred
- Wipe
- Secure Delete
- Disk Shredder
Do thorough research to find a reliable solution that fits your specific distribution and use case. Proper configuration is important.
How to Securely Delete Files on Mobile Devices
On smartphones and tablets, files can be deleted in various ways:
Delete from Device Storage
To remove files from internal storage:
- Tap and hold the file, then tap the delete icon
- Or go to Settings > Storage, select files and tap Delete
Files may go to a Trash folder first before being permanently erased.
Delete from Cloud Apps
Cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox have separate folders and deletion processes:
- Open the app and long press the file to delete
- Go to account Settings and choose files to remove
Files are generally recoverable from cloud Trash folders for a period of time.
Delete from Messaging Apps
To delete files sent through messaging apps:
- Open the conversation and tap and hold the file
- Select the option to delete or unsend the file
Success depends on the app and if the file was encrypted.
Wipe Mobile Device Completely
To do a complete data wipe:
- On iOS – Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
- On Android – Settings > Backup & Reset > Factory Data Reset
This will permanently destroy all files on that mobile device. Be extremely cautious before wiping a device.
How to Delete Files Permanently
Here are some key tips to ensure a file is permanently deleted and unrecoverable:
- Use a secure deletion tool that overwrites data
- Delete files then wipe free space on drive
- Destroy or damage the physical storage device
- Encrypt sensitive files before deletion
- Completely wipe mobile device storage
With modern forensic analysis techniques, simply deleting a file does not always remove it permanently. Take additional steps to help prevent deleted files from being recovered.
Conclusion
Knowing how to properly delete files is an important skill for all device users. Follow these best practices:
- Use your operating system’s Recycle Bin/Trash folder whenever possible
- Only permanently erase items when absolutely needed
- Use secure deletion methods for sensitive information
- Back up important data regularly in case of accidental deletion
- Double check files before emptying the Recycle Bin or Trash
Deleting files using the proper procedures can help you maintain privacy, conserve disk space, troubleshoot issues and keep your computer running efficiently. But use caution, as deleted files are not always recoverable!