NAUTILUS File Manager_ Delete files and folders and directories an subdirectories permanently without going into the TRASH Bin  HOW-TO.

 

 Hi Copilot , could you please teach how can I i delete all the files and folders permanently and also all the directories and subdirectories permanently WITHOUT GOING INTO THE TRASH CAN , using the NAUTILUS File Manager which come by default , when I install the Linux Operating System UBUNTU 25 on my MSI GP70 2PE Leopard Laptop ? THANKS Copilot for the answer.

 

MICROSOFT Copilot Answer

 

Got it 👍 — you want to permanently delete files/folders in Nautilus (Ubuntu’s default file manager) without them going into the Trash. Here’s how you can do it safely and effectively:

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🗑️ Permanent Deletion in Nautilus (Ubuntu 25)

1. Enable "Delete Permanently" Option

By default, Nautilus sends items to the Trash. To bypass this:

• Open Nautilus.
• Go to the menu → Preferences (sometimes called Settings).
• Look for the option “Show action to permanently delete files and folders”.
• Enable it ✅.

This adds a “Delete Permanently” option in the right-click context menu.

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2. Use the Context Menu

• Select the file(s) or folder(s).
• Right-click → choose Delete Permanently.
• Confirm the prompt (Nautilus will ask if you’re sure).
• The item is removed immediately, not sent to Trash.

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3. Use Keyboard Shortcut

• Select the file/folder.
• Press Shift + Delete.
• Confirm the dialog box.
• The item is gone permanently.

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4. Delete Entire Directories/Subdirectories

If you want to wipe a whole directory tree:

• Navigate to the parent folder in Nautilus.
• Select the directory.
• Use Shift + Delete or right-click → Delete Permanently.
• All subfolders and files inside will be erased.

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⚠️ Important Notes

• No Undo: Once deleted permanently, recovery is very difficult without specialized tools.
• Be Careful: Double-check what you’re deleting, especially with directories containing subfolders.
• Alternative (Terminal): If you ever prefer command-line, you can use:

  rm -rf /path/to/directory
  

  But this is even more dangerous — no confirmation prompts.

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✅ So the safest way in Nautilus is: enable “Delete Permanently” in Preferences → use Shift+Delete or right-click → Delete Permanently.

Would you like me to also show you how to make “Delete Permanently” the default action (so you don’t have to use Shift+Delete every time), or do you prefer keeping Trash as the default for safety?