Windows: delete files without recycle bin

The Windows recycle bin is both a blessing and a curse. You can also delete files without this intermediate step. We show how it works.

Delete files without recycle bin - with shortcut

Windows lets you delete any file without the Recycle Bin. You can do this with a simple key combination:

• To do this, select the file to be deleted and press the [Alt] and [Del] keys.
• Windows now asks whether the file should be permanently deleted. Warning: Only confirm the warning if you really no longer need the document.

Blitzblank - delete files from the recycle bin

With this simple trick you can delete all files without the trash. But you won't be able to get rid of the documents that have already been removed. Here the trash itself will help you:

1. First go to the Windows Recycle Bin.
2. Now click on "Empty trash" and confirm the warning with "Yes".
3. This means that these files are also permanently deleted.

However, the deletion process is not as final as Windows presents it: If you have accidentally removed an important file, this special freeware tool will bring your documents back.