Applies to Windows 7

Delete a file or folder

To delete a file or folder:

  • Right-click the file or folder that you want to delete, and then click Delete. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

    Picture of the Delete commandThe Delete command

You can also delete a file or folder by dragging it to the Recycle Bin or by selecting the file or folder, and then pressing Delete.

Notes

Notes

  • When you delete a file or folder from your hard disk, it's not deleted right away. Instead, it's stored in the Recycle Bin until the Recycle Bin is emptied. To permanently delete a file without first moving it to the Recycle Bin, select the file, and then press Shift+Delete.

  • If you delete a file or folder from a network folder or from a USB flash drive, it might be permanently deleted rather than being stored in the Recycle Bin.

  • If a file can't be deleted, it might be in use by a program that's currently running. Try closing the program or restarting your computer to fix the problem. For more information, see Why can't I delete a file or folder?