How to Delete a File Using Command Prompt

This wikiHow teaches you how to delete a file from your PC's desktop by using a command in Command Prompt.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Preparing Your File for Deletion

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    Locate your file. If you know where the file is, you can navigate to it by simply opening the appropriate folder. For example, if you're trying to delete a picture or a text file, you will likely want to look in the default "Documents" folder, which typically holds those file types.
    • If you don't know where your file is, type its name into the Start search bar, right-click the file when it pops up, and click Open file location to go directly to the file.
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    Click and drag your file onto the desktop. Doing so will make the deletion process easier as you won't have to change the deletion location from within Command Prompt.
    • The exception to this rule is if you're trying to delete a file from the "System32" folder, which is Windows' system files folder. If that's the case, leave your file there.
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    Right-click your file. This will prompt a drop-down menu.
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    Click Properties. It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
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    Look at the file extension. The file's extension is listed near the top of the "General" tab in the "Properties" window, to the right of the "Type of file:" text. You'll need to know your file's extension in order to delete it using Command Prompt. Common extensions include the following:
    • .txt - Text files (files made in Notepad).
    • .docx - Microsoft Word files.
    • .jpg or .png - Picture files.
    • .mov, .wmv, .mp4 - Video files.
    • .mp3, .wav - Sound files.
    • .exe - Executable files (e.g., a setup file).
    • .lnk - Shortcut files. Deleting a shortcut will not remove the attached program from your computer.
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    Write down the file extension. Once you know the file extension, you're ready to open and use Command Prompt.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Deleting the File with Command Prompt

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    Open Command Prompt. In this case, you'll want to avoid the "Administrator" (or "Admin") version of Command Prompt unless you're deleting a file in the "System32" folder. You can open Command Prompt in a variety of ways depending on your version of Windows:
    • Hold down ⊞ Win and press X, then click Command Prompt above the Start button.
    • Right-click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of the screen, then click Command Prompt in the pop-up window.
    • Type "Command Prompt" into the Start menu search bar (for Windows 8, hover your mouse in the top-right corner of the screen and click the magnifying glass), then click the "Command Prompt" icon when it appears.
    • Open the "Run" app from the Start menu, type in "cmd", and click OK.
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    Type in cd desktop and press ↵ Enter. Doing so will change the location (or "directory") in Command Prompt to your desktop.
    • There are other ways you can change the Command Prompt directory if need be.
    • Opening Command Prompt in "Administrator" mode will change the directory to the "System32" file. For this reason, do not open Command Prompt in "Administrator" unless your file is in the "System32" folder.
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    Type in del [filename.filetype]. Replace "filename.filetype" with your file's actual name and extension.
    • For example, a picture file named "icecream" would become icecream.png, a text file named "notes" would become notes.txt, and so on.
    • For files with spaces in their names, place quotation marks around the entire file name: "I like turtles.jpg" instead of I_like_turtles.jpg or similar.
    • To delete all files on your desktop that share the same extension (e.g., all text files), type *.filetype where "filetype" is the extension (e.g., *.txt).
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    Press ↵ Enter. You will see a new, blank line appear in Command Prompt. Your file is now gone.
    • Since the "del" command removes files directly from your hard drive, you won't need to delete the file again from the Recycling Bin.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What is the extension type of a folder?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Only files have extensions. Directories are handled differently by the filesystem, and thus do not need extensions.
  • Question
    Some type of virus installed to my PC and won't let me use Command Prompt. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try running an antivirus program to eliminate the virus. If that doesn't work, you'll probably need to take your computer in to a tech department somewhere (e.g., Best Buy) and have them take a look at removing the virus.
  • Question
    When I typed "cd desktop" in Command Prompt's Administrative mode, it shows "the system cannot find the path specified". What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should open Command Prompt in its non-Admin format--e.g., "Command Prompt" instead of "Command Prompt (Admin)". Since Command Prompt (Admin) opens inside of the "System32" folder, you won't be able to open the desktop from there (because the "Desktop" folder is under your name in the "Users" folder, not in the "System 32" folder).
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Warnings

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About This Article

Jack Lloyd
Written by:
Jack Lloyd
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been viewed 983,863 times.
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Co-authors: 20
Updated: June 2, 2019
Views: 983,863
Categories: Command Prompt
Article SummaryX

1. Right-click the Start menu.
2. Click Command Prompt.
3. Type "cd FOLDERTHATCONTAINSFILE" and press Enter.
4. Type "del filename" and press Enter.

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