How to Add a “Permanently Delete” Option to the Windows Context Menu
As you work on your computer day in and day out, there are so many files and folders that pile up on your system. You would be deleting old and unwanted files—it reduces the clutter and creates more storage space.
Usually, you’ll select the file and use the delete button, which sends the file to the Recycle Bin. But to permanently delete the file, you’ll have to delete it again from the Recycle Bin.
But what if you could permanently delete files from the Windows context menu with a click? It can be done, and let’s explore how.
How to Add a “Permanently Delete” Option to the Context Menu via the Registry Editor
You use the right-click context menu to open, save, copy, paste, share, and delete files. Unfortunately, this Windows context menu doesn’t have a “Permanently Delete” option to delete files for good with a single click. However, you can create that option in the context menu.
Yes, you can skip the Recycle Bin to delete files permanently. To do so, you’ll have to use the Registry Editor.
The Registry Editor is a Windows tool where you can view and change the settings in the system registry. Though, you should be cautious while editing the Registry Editor. Only follow the steps given below and leave other files untouched.
Also, it would be agood idea to enable automatic registry backups. If you make an incorrect entry or something goes wrong, you can restore Windows to normal with a good backup.
Let’s now go through the steps to add the Permanently Delete option to the right-click context menu.
Now all the registry tweaks to enable the “Permanently Delete” option are complete.
You can close the Registry Editor and check for the “Permanently Delete” option in the context menu by right-clicking a file or folder.
If you’ve edited the Registry correctly as explained above, you will see thePermanently Deleteoption—as in the screenshot below.
This screenshot is on Windows 11, so after right-clicking the file, you also need to clickShow more options.Only then you will see the Permanently Delete option in the context menu. And when you click “Permanently Delete” you will get a prompt to confirm the deletion.
Also, you can see thePermanently Deleteoption appears towards the bottom as we had given theValueof itsPositionasBottom. And it has aRed Delete Crosstoo.
To make the “Permanently Delete” option appear on top, it’s possible to open theRegistry Editorand navigate toComputer>HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT>AllFilessystemObjects. Then expand theshellkey under it and click onWindows.PermanentDelete.
You will see the String Values ofWindows.PermanentDeleteon the right pane. Double-click on thePositionstring and in theValue databox, change the value fromBottomtoTop. Then clickOKorenter.
Now the “Permanently Delete” option will appear on the top of the context menu—for you to permanently delete files from there with a click.
Moreover, if you’re interested to customize the context menu further, you can check out some ofthe best shortcuts to add to the right-click menu. And if you like using Notepad for quick editing, you could alsoadd the Open with Notepad option to the Windows context menu.
How to Remove the “Permanently Delete” Option From the Context Menu
If you change your mind and don’t want the Permanently Delete option on the context menu anymore—you could easily remove it.
Open the Registry Editor and navigate toComputer>HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT>AllFilessystemObjects. Then expandshellunder it and click onWindows.PermanentDelete.
Then simply right-clickWindows.PermanentDeleteand selectDelete. You’ll get a prompt to confirm whether you want to delete this key and all its values so just click onYesto delete it.
Check and you will see that Permanently Delete is no longer on the context menu. The steps above to add and remove the “Permanently Delete” option will work on Windows 10 as well.
If you miss the old context menu of Windows 10, you’ll be glad to know thatyou can bring the old context menu back to your Windows 11 PC.
Permanently Delete Files and Folders From the Context Menu
It’s handy having a one-click option to delete files and folders permanently. And if it’s on the context menu, which you always use, can make things easy and save time as well. So work smarter by adding and using the Permanently Delete option in the Windows context menu.
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