The delete shortcut key is the Delete key itself: it removes what is selected, or the character to the right of the cursor. Backspace removes the character to the left. In File Explorer, Delete or Ctrl + D sends selected files to the Recycle Bin.
On many laptops the Delete key is small and sits at the top right, sometimes shared with Insert. The word level shortcuts such as Ctrl + Backspace save a lot of tapping and are explained below.
Quick facts
Delete right or selection
DeleteDelete left
BackspaceDelete previous word
Ctrl + BackspaceDelete next word
Ctrl + DeleteFiles to Recycle Bin
Delete or Ctrl + DUndo
Ctrl + Z
Delete shortcut key for text
| Remove | Keys |
|---|---|
| One character to the right | Delete |
| One character to the left | Backspace |
| The previous word | Ctrl + Backspace |
| The next word | Ctrl + Delete |
| A selected block | Select with Shift and arrows, then Delete |
| Everything | Ctrl + A, then Delete |
Ctrl + Backspace is the quickest fix when you misspell a word: one press removes it whole. It also works in browser address bars, chat boxes and search fields, so the habit pays off everywhere you type.
Delete files and folders
| Action | Keys | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Delete selected files | Delete or Ctrl + D | Recycle Bin |
| Delete permanently | Shift + Delete | Gone, with a warning box first |
| Bring back the last delete | Ctrl + Z | Back to its folder |
Permanent delete has its own warning guide: permanent delete shortcut. Recycle Bin items can be restored any time until the bin is emptied.
Delete shortcut key in laptop keyboards
Look at the top right of your laptop keyboard. The key may say Del, Delete, or share space with Insert or PrtSc. If pressing it types nothing or does something else, try Fn + Delete. Some compact keyboards have only Backspace; there, Fn + Backspace acts as forward delete on many models.
Deleting in Excel and Word
In Excel, Delete clears the contents of selected cells but keeps the cells and their formatting. To remove the cells themselves, rows or columns, use Ctrl + Minus; see the delete row in Excel guide. In Word, selecting a whole page of text and pressing Delete removes it; blank last pages need a different trick covered in delete a page in Word.
When delete does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| File cannot be deleted | It is open in a program; close it first |
| Needs administrator permission | It is a system file; leave it alone |
| Delete overwrites text | Overtype is on; press Insert |
| Key does nothing on a laptop | Try Fn + Delete |
Delete on a Mac
The key labelled Delete on a Mac works like Backspace. For forward delete, press Fn + Delete. In Finder, Command + Delete moves files to the Bin and Option + Command + Delete deletes them at once. Moving and duplicating text are explained in our editing basics section.
Frequently asked questions
What is the delete shortcut key?
The Delete key, or Ctrl + D for files in File Explorer.
What is the difference between Delete and Backspace?
Delete removes to the right of the cursor; Backspace removes to the left.
How do I delete a whole word at once?
How do I get back a deleted file?
Press Ctrl + Z straight away. Later, open the Recycle Bin on the desktop, right click the file and choose Restore.
What is the backspace shortcut key?
Backspace is its own key; Ctrl + Backspace deletes a whole word.
What is the delete key on a Mac?
Delete works like Backspace; Fn + Delete deletes forward.