Windows Tip: Skip The Recycle Bin And Delete Files Automatically
Written by Saman Sadeghi on July 11, 2007 Add comments
This is not a tip I suggest - unless you are really paying attention to what you are doing at times! When you delete a file, Windows actually moves it to the Recycle Big (we all know this) - but we can set up your machine so that the files are instantly deleted!
How To
- Right-click the Recycle Bin and click Properties.
- Under the Global tab, tick the Do not move to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted check box.
If you have multiple drives and you don’t want to apply this to the other drives, click the Configure drives independently radio button you can configure each drive via their tabs. - Now when you delete something, you will see the confirmation dialog, click OK and it’s instantly gone! The file will skip the Recycle Bin and be deleted instantly!
You could set it up for no confirmation at all by un-ticking the Display delete confirmation dialog button, but that’s just playing with fire!
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Seems like a pretty volatile change to make. I have noticed that when I delete large ISO files the system says it’s to large for for the recycling bin and will just delete them.
I agree, it’s not a change I would make, but at least you know about it “And knowing is half the battle!”
Also, the reason the “files are too large” has to do how much space it allocated for the Recycle Bin.
Good post, although emptying the recycle bin is rather boring, I need it. I could get clumsy and delete something that I didn’t want to delete - and it’s instantly gone!
On other hand when it goes to recycle bin first, than I still have the chance to restore it back without messing with some disc recovery programs…
I agree with you Kassper, you might want to check out my article: Windows Tip: Remove Windows’ Delete Confirmation Dialog.
I have a bad moment about this tip, since i am an expert i have no problem with windows settings and i am pretty sure which file to delete, but last week my friend visited me and stayed my pc. I said please use guest account but he didnt listen me, he wanted to joke, and pressed delete button for my current projects (contains freelance informations for my tasks) folder. And he said wtf, no confirmation? At least i wouldnt check critical checkbox xD
Please, be careful while using this option,
Saman don’t give critical suggestions to people, otherwise they may come to hurt you
You are definitely correct, and that’s why I made sure and warn people first!
[...] Saman Sadeghi shows you how to skip the Windows’ Recycle Bin and delete files automatically. [...]
[...] week, I posted a few Recycle Bin tricks, one was how to skip the Recycle Bin and delete a file automatically. Today, because I Registry Hacks, I will show you how to disable the Recycle Bin and permanently [...]
I think you give plenty of warning on your more dangerous tips. Most people will think twice about doing these kinds of things. BTW, I think in the post you meant to say to “tick” the box in Step 2.
Crap…what kind of friends go around deleting your files? Don’t let them borrow your car.
Also, I have 3 separate drives. Since I back up often, I did this only on my “c” drive. Worked just fine, and my other drives still go to recycle bin first.