How to Delete a File or Folder in Windows 10 & 11

By Timothy Tibbetts

on 06/24/2023

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Many of us have had to delete a folder in Windows 10, but if you're having difficulty, then here are all the known ways to delete a folder.

Before we start, if you can't delete a folder due to an error, it might be because some files are in use by Windows. Unlocker or Unlocker Portable can often unlock locked files and folders so they can be deleted.

How to Delete a File or Folder in Windows 10 - Keyboard Shortcuts

Delete or Del - Delete to Recycle Bin
Ctrl+D - Delete to Recycle Bin
Shift+Delete - Permanently delete

How to Delete a File or Folder in Windows 10 - File Explorer

Click on the file or folder you want to delete.

Click Home and expand Delete.

Click on Recycle or Permanently delete.

How to Delete a File or Folder in Windows 10 - Context Menu

Right-click on the file or folder you want to delete and click Delete or press D.

How to Delete a File or Folder in Windows 10 - PowerShell or Command Prompt

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt.

PowerShell Remove-Item -Path "Full path of folder or file" -Recurse -Force
Command Prompt - rd /s /q "Full path of folder or file

You can also use the Command Prompt at boot or from the troubleshooting menu.

How to Delete a Folder in Windows 10 - Batch File

Delete Stubborn Folders is a batch file to delete folders that you can't remove with normal methods.

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