How to Delete Files from File Explorer
Deleting files from your computer is a common task that every user encounters at some point. Whether you need to free up space or remove unnecessary files, understanding how to delete files from the File Explorer is essential. In this article, we will guide you through the process of deleting files from File Explorer on both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Deleting Files on Windows
On Windows, deleting files from File Explorer is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E.
2. Navigate to the folder containing the file you want to delete.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Delete” from the context menu.
4. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Yes” to confirm the deletion.
Alternatively, you can delete a file by pressing the “Delete” key on your keyboard after selecting the file.
Deleting Files on macOS
On macOS, the process of deleting files from File Explorer (Finder) is similar. Follow these steps:
1. Open Finder by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the Dock or pressing Command + Space and typing “Finder.”
2. Navigate to the folder containing the file you want to delete.
3. Select the file by clicking on it once.
4. Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
5. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Delete” to confirm the deletion.
You can also delete a file by right-clicking on it and selecting “Move to Trash” from the context menu.
Permanently Deleting Files
If you want to permanently delete a file without sending it to the Recycle Bin or Trash, you can use the following methods:
On Windows:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the file you want to delete.
2. Right-click on the file and select “Delete” from the context menu.
3. In the confirmation dialog, click “Yes” to confirm the deletion.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking on it and selecting “Empty Recycle Bin.”
On macOS:
1. Open Finder and navigate to the file you want to delete.
2. Press Command + Option + Delete to bypass the Trash.
3. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Delete” to confirm the deletion.
Deleting Multiple Files
If you need to delete multiple files at once, you can follow these steps:
On Windows:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the files.
2. Select the files you want to delete by clicking on them while holding down the Ctrl key.
3. Right-click on any of the selected files and select “Delete” from the context menu.
4. In the confirmation dialog, click “Yes” to confirm the deletion.
On macOS:
1. Open Finder and navigate to the folder containing the files.
2. Select the files you want to delete by clicking on them while holding down the Command key.
3. Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
4. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Delete” to confirm the deletion.
Conclusion
Deleting files from File Explorer is a simple task that can help you manage your computer’s storage space and keep your files organized. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily delete files on both Windows and macOS operating systems. Remember to double-check your selections before deleting files, as this action cannot be undone.
