How to delete a folder?

Folders are a convenient way to group files. In Windows, there are standard sets of user folders, and in addition, you can create them yourself in unlimited quantities. But what if the folder is no longer needed? In this article, we'll show you how to delete a folder in Windows.

Deleting folders in Windows

The easiest way to delete a folder is to select itand press the [Del] key. Another option is to right-click on the folder and select "Delete". Depending on the settings of the operating system, you may receive a dialog box asking you to confirm the deletion.

If you use both methods, the folderMoves to the Trash, where it can then be restored if necessary. But there is also the possibility to delete the folder permanently - in this case, it will not be restored. To do this, select the folder and press the [Shift] + [Del] keys, and then confirm the deletion in the dialog box. However, without special need, it is better not to use this method in the first place - there is a great risk by mistake to permanently delete the necessary files.

Uninstalling from the command line

There is also the ability to delete any folderusing the command line. If the folder is empty, the simple rd command "full path to the folder" is suitable, for example rd "C: UsersIvanIvanovDesktop folder". Enter it and press [Enter]. If there are files and subfolders inside the folder, you need to use the rd / s command "full path to the folder". Enter it, press [Enter] and confirm the deletion by pressing the [Y] key.

Deleting Service Folders

With extreme caution should be approachedDelete service and system folders, which store the files necessary for the normal operation of the system. You can not delete Windows, Program Files, or other system directories on the C: drive. However, to do this in any case is not easy - the operating system will not allow.

Some service folders, however, deleteyou can, if you understand why you need it. For example, if you delete an application folder in the "C: Users" directory of yourAppDataLocal user name or "C: Users" is yourAppDataRoaming user name, all settings for that application are usually reset, and the next time it starts, it looks like you opened for the first time.

More information about what other service folders can be deleted and how to do it, you can read in our articles. Can I delete the "temp" folder and How to remove Windows.old.

Programs for deleting folders

In addition to the built-in mechanisms of Windows, foryou can use special programs to delete folders. This is useful if you can not delete the folder in the usual way - in this case you can put the Unlocker application, which we told about in the article How to delete a folder, if it is not deleted.

In addition, there are programs forirrevocable deletion of files and folders that will be useful if you want to completely erase some confidential information from the hard disk. This, for example, is a free utility File Shredder and other similar applications, which you can find on the Internet.