What does Shift+Delete do?
In Windows 11, Shift+Delete means: Permanently delete selected file(s), bypassing Recycle Bin.
Last verified: 2026-10-04 (latest recorded check on at least one row; rows without their own date remain pending).
Where this shortcut applies
| App | Platform | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Windows | Permanently delete selected file(s), bypassing Recycle Bin Latest recorded check: 2026-10-04 · Source |
| Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS | Linux | Permanently delete files without moving to Trash Verification pending |
| Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS | Linux | Permanently delete the selected item(s) without going to Trash Verification pending |
| Windows 10 | Windows | Permanently delete files, bypassing Recycle Bin Verification pending |
Full shortcut pages
Frequently asked questions
- What does Shift+Delete do?
- In Windows 11, Shift+Delete means: Permanently delete selected file(s), bypassing Recycle Bin.
- Does this shortcut work the same way in every app?
- No. The listed contexts include Windows 11, Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS, Windows 10. Check the table for each application and platform: the active window, keyboard layout and application settings determine which command receives the key press. An application being available on an operating system is not evidence that this exact binding works there.
- What should I use on a Mac?
- Use a macOS binding shown in the table, if one is recorded for your task and application. This page does not assume that replacing Ctrl with Cmd produces a working Mac shortcut. When an equivalent has not been independently verified, open the linked application reference and check its documented context before relying on it.