Shift+Delete

Delete Permanently on Windows

Windows · Text & File Editing
ActionDelete Permanently
ShortcutShift + Delete
PlatformWindows
CategoryText & File Editing

About this shortcut

On Windows, you can delete permanently with Shift + Delete. Deletes the selection without sending it to the Recycle Bin. It sits in the Text & File Editing group and is one of the Windows shortcuts people look up most, so it is worth committing to memory — it works the same way across almost every app that follows standard Windows conventions.

How to use it

1

Get ready

Open the app or screen where you want to delete permanently.

2

Press the keys

Press Shift + Delete.

3

Done

Deletes the selection without sending it to the Recycle Bin.

More Text & File Editing shortcuts

Bold Text
Ctrl+B
Italic Text
Ctrl+I
Underline Text
Ctrl+U
Rename File
F2
New Folder
Ctrl+Shift+N
Move Cursor by Word
Ctrl+Left/Right
Select by Word
Ctrl+Shift+Left/Right
Select to Start / End of Line
Shift+Home/End