Which keyboard shortcut permanently deletes a file without sending it to the Recycle Bin in Windows OS?

The correct answer is Shift + Delete.

Key Points

• The Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut in Windows OS permanently deletes a file without sending it to the Recycle Bin.
• This action bypasses the Recycle Bin, making recovery of the file more difficult unless specialized software is used.
• It is a quick method to remove unwanted files permanently and save disk space.
• Users are advised to exercise caution while using this shortcut, as accidental deletions may require advanced recovery tools.
• Files deleted using this method do not consume space in the Recycle Bin and are immediately removed from the file system.

Additional Information

• Recycle Bin
  • The Recycle Bin is a feature in Windows OS used to temporarily store deleted files.
  • Files moved to the Recycle Bin can be restored unless the bin is emptied.
  • It serves as a safeguard against accidental deletions.
• File Recovery
  • Files permanently deleted using Shift + Delete can sometimes be recovered using third-party recovery tools.
  • Examples of such tools include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.
• File System
  • The file system in Windows OS (e.g., NTFS, FAT32) manages how data is stored and retrieved on storage devices.
  • Permanently deleted files are marked as free space in the file system and may be overwritten by new data.
• Best Practices
  • Always double-check before using Shift + Delete to ensure important files are not deleted accidentally.
  • Maintain regular backups to avoid permanent data loss.