If you're using the latest version of Windows, the question of how to prevent files from being deleted immediately is no longer a concern. By default, Windows now moves deleted files to the Recycle Bin and does not permanently delete them right away. However, you still have the option of deleting files immediately. We’ll show you how to do this below. If data on your PC is immediately deleted without being moved to Recycle Bin first, the default setting may have been unintentionally changed. In that case, these tips will also help you undo this setting.
Windows can delete files instantly without putting them in the Recycle Bin. You can do this for a single file or make it the default setting for all files.
- If you want to delete a file immediately in Windows without using the Recycle Bin, select the file in File Explorer and click on the small arrow under the ‘Delete’ icon in the ‘Home’ tab of the ribbon.
- In the drop-down menu that appears, you’ll see the ‘Permanently delete’ option. If you choose this option, the file will be deleted immediately instead of being moved to the Recycle Bin.