How to Permanently Delete Files and Programs from Your Computer
Deleting files and programs from your computer can be a daunting task, but understanding the process can make it much simpler. This guide will walk you through the steps to safely and securely delete files and programs from your Windows computer.
Deleting a File in Windows
Deleting a file on your Windows computer is a straightforward process. You can either right-click on the file and select Delete, or use the command prompt with the DEL command.
Deleting a File via Right-Click
To delete a file using a right-click, follow these steps:
Right-click on the file you wish to delete. Select Delete. Press the Delete key to confirm. The file will go to the Recycle Bin. Alternatively, use Shift Delete to permanently delete the file without going to the Recycle Bin.Note: If the file is open, you will not be able to delete it until you close it.
Deleting a File via Command Prompt
To use the command prompt to delete a file, follow these steps:
Open the Command Prompt by pressing Win R, then type cmd and hit Enter. In the Command Prompt, type DEL filename (replace filename with the name of your file), then press Enter.Deleting a Program
Deleting a program from your computer is slightly more complex than deleting a file. Simply deleting the icon from the desktop will not completely remove the program. Instead, you must uninstall the program.
Uninstalling a Program in Windows Settings
To uninstall a program, follow these steps:
Right-click the Start button and select Settings. Go to Apps Features. Select the program you want to uninstall and click Uninstall.Alternatively, you can use a third-party utility like CCleaner or Glary Utilities for a more comprehensive approach.
Accessing Personal and Shared Desktop Items
To access and delete items from your personal and shared desktop, follow these steps:
Deleting Personal Desktop Items
Right-click the Start button and select Run. In the Run box, type userprofiledesktop and press Enter. This will show you items on your personal desktop that you can delete. Highlight the item, press the Delete key to move it to the Recycle Bin, or use Shift Delete to permanently delete it.Deleting Shared Desktop Items (Admin Rights Required)
Right-click the Start button and select Run. In the Run box, type publicdesktop and press Enter. This will display items on the shared desktop that only a local administrator can delete. Follow the same steps as above to delete items.Permanently Erasing Data on Your Hard Drive
Using the standard Delete or drag-to-trash methods does not actually erase the data; it just removes the file from view. To ensure that your data is completely erased, you need to use a secure delete application.
Using Shredder 8 on Windows 10
If you use Windows 10, Microsoft Store offers a free app called Shredder 8. This application overwrites the actual file you are deleting with random data, thus erasing it for good.
Conclusion and Security Considerations
The only guaranteed way to remove data from your computer is to overwrite it with new data. There are numerous secure delete applications available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, but consider why you want to delete your data before proceeding. It's important to ensure that your reasons are genuine and not just a matter of convenience.