Shift+Del

Updated: 06/25/2025 by Computer Hope
Shift+Del keyboard shortcut

Shift+Del or Shift+Delete is a shortcut to delete a file in Windows without sending it to the Recycle Bin.

How to use the Shift+Del keyboard shortcut

To use this keyboard shortcut, press and hold either Shift, and while continuing to hold, press the Del key.

Shift+Del in an Internet browser

With most Internet browsers, pressing Shift+Del removes an item from the autocomplete suggestions that appear while typing in the address bar (e.g., autocomplete suggestions). Start typing, scroll using the arrow keys to the suggestion you want to remove, and use the shortcut Shift+Del. Alternatively, click the “X” next to a suggestion to delete it manually.

Shift+Del in Microsoft Windows

While in Microsoft Windows or Windows Explorer, pressing Shift+Del is a method of deleting a highlighted file or folder and not sending it to the Recycle Bin.

Note

This shortcut doesn't securely delete the file, it only skips sending the file to the Recycle Bin.

Below are links to related keyboard shortcuts and individual key pages.

Delete, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms