In the Windows Explorer, deleted files and folders are normally sent to the recycle bin. This requires extra resources (i.e. time), particularly if the recycle bin is full and part of it needs to be emptied first to make room. When deleting files and folders that are certain to never be recycled, the time delay can be avoided by holding down the shift key when deleting the item. Both methods present a confirmation dialog box, but with different icons and text to make it easy to verify that the recycle bin is, or is not, being used.

WARNING: This method of bypassing the recycle bin does not ensure that the deleted item(s) are safe from prying eyes. Portions, if not all, of the item can still be recovered by a technique commonly referred to as “dirty disking.” To prevent this, it is necessary to delete the file using a “wipe” utility, such as the one included in bfaCS. (See Software Review: File Encryption with Blowfish Advanced CS (Windows).)

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