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In Windows Command Prompt, del deletes files that match the names or wildcard pattern you specify; it does not send them to the Recycle Bin. Before deleting a wildcard match, preview it with dir, check the folder and results, and use /p if you want a prompt for each file.
What the DEL command does
del removes one or more files matching the names you provide. Wildcards can match multiple files. The command is also available as erase, which performs the same actions. Microsoft lists the syntax as:
del [/p] [/f] [/s] [/q] [/a[:]<attributes>] <names>
erase [/p] [/f] [/s] [/q] [/a[:]<attributes>] <names>Use /? at the prompt to display command help. Microsoft’s DEL reference applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11 and was last updated February 3, 2023.
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What /f, /s, and /q mean
| Switch | Effect | Safety implication |
|---|---|---|
/f |
Forces deletion of read-only files. | Use only when you intend to remove those files; it overrides the read-only protection. |
/s |
Applies the specified file target to the current directory and its subdirectories. | Expands the search beyond the current folder, so verify the scope carefully. |
/q |
Quiet mode; suppresses the delete confirmation prompt. | It is not a safety switch. It removes a chance to confirm before deletion. |
Combined, del /f /s /q forces removal of matching read-only files, searches the current directory and its subdirectories, and suppresses confirmation. That combination can affect many files without prompting, so do not use it unless the target and recursive scope are intentional.
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Preview a wildcard before deleting
Microsoft recommends using the same wildcard with dir to list the files that del will target. For example, to inspect temporary files in a specific folder and then prompt before deleting each match:
dir "C:WorkDrafts*.tmp"
del /p "C:WorkDrafts*.tmp"- Run the
dircommand first and review every listed path. - Confirm that the folder and pattern identify only the intended files.
- Run the matching
del /pcommand. At each prompt, enterYto delete that file orNto skip it. PressCTRL+Cto stop the command.
The preview shows matches at the time dir runs; it cannot guarantee that the files or folder contents remain unchanged before the deletion command executes.
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Use the right target and options
Delete one named file
Provide the file name or its path as the target. Check that the current directory is the one you intend if you use a name without a full path.
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A wildcard such as *.tmp can match multiple files. Preview the exact pattern with dir before using it with del. For a path containing spaces, enclose the full path in double quotes, as in del "C:Test Folder*.tmp".
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Ask before each deletion
Use /p to request confirmation for each specified file. The documented prompt is FileName, Delete (Y/N)?; Y confirms and N cancels that file and moves to the next name.
Select files by attributes
The /a[:]<attributes> option filters by file attributes. Microsoft lists r for read-only, h for hidden, i for not content indexed, s for system, a for ready for archiving, and l for reparse points. Prefix an attribute with - to select files that do not have it. For example, Microsoft documents del /a:r *.* for deleting read-only files in the current directory; verify the working folder and match set before using it.
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Deletion and recovery warning
Microsoft’s documentation warns: “If you use del to delete a file from your disk, you can’t retrieve it.” Treat the command as potentially irreversible: verify the target before running it, especially with wildcards or /s. The command documentation does not describe del as moving files to the Recycle Bin or securely erasing their contents.
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