How to Delete a PDF File

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
A 3D file folder and garbage can.
Image Credit: Spectral-Design/iStock/Getty Images

A Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format developed by the company Adobe to distribute platform-independent documents. These files may contain images, text and hyperlinks. Eventually it may become necessary to remove a PDF file from your computer. These files are deleted from your computer in the same manner as other files.

Advertisement

Step 1

Click on the "Start" button with your left mouse button to open your computer's Start Menu. Click on "All Programs" in the Start Menu with the left mouse button.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Click on "Accessories" and then "Windows Explorer" with the left mouse button. This will open Windows Explorer, where you can manage all the files on your computer.

Advertisement

Step 3

Use the "Folders" column on the left to navigate to the folder where the PDF file is located. Select the folder by clicking on it with your left mouse button.

Step 4

Find the PDF file that you want to delete and right-click on it. This will bring up a menu with a list of options.

Advertisement

Step 5

Scroll down to the "Delete" option and left-click it. This will bring up a menu that confirms you want to delete the PDF file and move it to the Recycle Bin. If you do, select the "Yes" button with your left mouse button.

Advertisement

Step 6

Close out Windows Explorer by left-clicking the red "X" in the top right corner of the screen.

Advertisement

Step 7

Go to your Desktop and right-click on the Recycle Bin. Select "Empty Recycle Bin." It will then ask you if you want to permanently delete the contents of the Recycle Bin. Select "Yes" with your left mouse button and the PDF file will be permanently deleted.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references