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How to delete a file and empty the Recycle Bin

Simple steps with a picture: how to delete a file and empty the Recycle Bin.

Last updated October 30, 2026

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Two steps. On the left, a file on the desktop with a small right-click menu and the word Delete circled in red. On the right, the Recycle Bin window with the Empty Recycle Bin button at the top circled in red.

  1. Right-click the file and click Delete. You can also click the file once and press the Delete key. The file goes to the Recycle Bin. It is not gone for good yet.
  2. To look inside, double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
  3. To get a file back, right-click it and click Restore.
  4. To clear everything for good, click Empty Recycle Bin at the top, then click Yes. You cannot undo this, so check the list first.

Emptying the Recycle Bin frees up space on your computer.

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