How to Permanently Delete Files on Laptop: Complete Guide
A file being deleted from a laptop does not always mean the end for it. Often, Windows just moves the file into the Recycle Bin, and the deleted information stays recoverable until the memory is occupied by or used by some other data. For those who are either going to sell their laptop, pass it to another person, or just want to erase all the information, or don’t want to make it accessible anymore, it is vital to know how to permanently delete files on laptop. There are different ways that can be used to do this depending on what exactly you are looking for.
1. Permanently Delete Files on Laptop Using Shift + Delete
The fastest way to completely delete files without moving them to the Recycle Bin is the Shift + Delete key combination.
Steps:
- Launch File Explorer on your Windows laptop.
- Go to the folder where the files are located.
- Choose the file(s) to delete.
- Hit the Shift + Delete keys on your keyboard.
- A dialog box pops up in Windows.
- Hit Yes to delete the selected file(s).
- Using Shift + Delete bypasses the Recycle Bin process but does not wipe out the file(s).
Note: Recovery of files after deletion is possible by advanced recovery techniques.
This means that Shift + Delete can only be used for regular deletion of files, not wiping out confidential data.
2. Empty the Recycle Bin
However, even if you have deleted files in the regular way, there is always a chance of finding the files stored in the Recycle Bin. The process of emptying the Recycle Bin will delete those files from your Windows.
How to do it:
- Find the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
- Right-click on the Recycle Bin.
- Choose the option Empty Recycle Bin.
- Press OK when asked for confirmation.
- You can also delete selected files in Recycle Bin using the same procedure; just choose the files first.
This is one of the simplest ways of permanently deleting files on laptop.
3. Permanently Remove Files on Laptop Using Command Prompt
There are also tools available in Windows that can assist in managing and overwriting data. The cipher command can assist in overwriting unused space on an NTFS volume to permanently delete files on Laptop.
Steps:
- Press Windows + S
- Type Cipher command
- Then, right-click and Run as administrator
- Enter the following command:
cipher /w:C:
- Hit Enter
- Wait for a while.
The /w parameter helps in overwriting unused space on the specified volume. C: can be replaced by the right drive name if needed.
This can be helpful for protecting your data if there is already a deleted file that may not be recovered. However, it can take a lot of time depending on the size of the drive.
4. Use Windows Storage Settings to Remove Files
This method lets you use the storage management tools available in Windows to get rid of temporary and unnecessary files.
Steps:
- Click on Settings.
- Head to System > Storage.
- Next, select Temporary files.
- After that, check the types of files listed there.
- Choose the data you wish to delete.
- Finally, tap on Remove files.
The above procedure is mainly used to clean up the unnecessary data from your computer rather than for deleting any sensitive personal data.
Also Read: How to Wipe BitLocker Encrypted Hard Drive?
5. Use Dedicated Data-Wiping Software
In case the deletion methods mentioned above do not work, one can always try erasing data using special software applications that will help wipe all information stored.
For people who want to find out how to permanently delete files on laptop before selling, donating, recycling or giving away, it would be better to use a tool like Freeviewer File Shredder.
However, before using any such program, one should be sure that they are aware of all files and drives to be erased because it is a rather risky procedure which cannot be reversed.
6. Permanently Delete Files Before Selling a Laptop
If you want to hand over your laptop to someone else, simple file deletion is not enough. This is because confidential photos, browsing data, personal finances and other information can easily be restored. Hence, in such a scenario, take into consideration the following actions:
- Back up necessary files to another place.
- Log out of Microsoft and other online accounts.
- Delete personal files and programs.
- Empty the Recycle Bin.
- Implement proper data erasing technique.
- If possible, reset the laptop before the transfer of its ownership.
- Check for the presence of sensitive information.
Deleting all data from a hard drive can be a better solution for which you can use the FreeViewer File Shredder than deleting individual files when you have no need to store any data on the laptop anymore. Even it supports the path to force delete undeletable files.
Are Permanently Deleted Files Irretrievable?
One should understand the difference between logical deletion and secure data erasure. When deleting a file with Windows, it usually does not mean immediate destruction of every bit of information but rather deletion of the file system reference point. Before this storage is filled with some other data, recovery of the information might still be possible.
That is why the issue of how to permanently delete files on laptop is especially critical for dealing with confidential information or preparing computer for another person.
HDDs work differently from SSDs because they utilize technologies like wear leveling and TRIM. Thus, the process of erasing can vary from one storage technology to another.
Final Words
For the normal file erasing procedure, one can use Shift+Delete or Empty Recycle Bin functions. With Command Prompt, you may have an extra choice for erasing unused space. And, of course, Windows Storage settings will come in handy when deleting temporary files. When you want to permanently delete files on laptop or you need to transfer ownership, use special methods.
It all comes down to your preferences and goals. In case of normal unnecessary file removal, Windows options may be enough for you. But when you want to decrease the possibility of data recovery, consider using special secure-erasure methods.