What Does the Delete Key Do?
Delete (Del) erases the character just to the right of the cursor. It also deletes whatever you have selected, like a word, a picture or a file.
Backspace eats left, Delete eats right. Chomp chomp!
Where is the Delete key?
The highlighted key is the Delete key on a typical Windows laptop keyboard, with a number pad on the right. Keyboards vary a little by brand.
What the Delete key does
Backspace erases to the left. Delete erases to the right. Try it: put the cursor in the middle of a word and press each one.
- Ctrl + Delete erases the whole next word (Windows).
- Select a file and press Delete to move it to the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash. You can usually get it back from there.
- Shift + Delete on a file deletes it forever, skipping the Recycle Bin. Ask a grown-up before using it!
Windows, Mac and Chromebook
Windows
Labeled Delete or Del. With Num Lock off, the keypad period key also works as Delete. Ctrl + Alt + Delete opens the security screen.
Mac
The Mac key labeled delete works like Backspace. To delete forward, press fn + delete. Full-size Mac keyboards also have a forward delete key marked ⌦. To trash a file, press Command + delete.
Chromebook
Chromebooks have no Delete key. Press Alt + Backspace to delete forward.
Which finger presses it?
Lift your right hand and press Delete with your pointer or middle finger.
Fun fact
In the old ASCII computer code, Delete is character number 127, which is 1111111 in binary. On paper tape, punching all seven holes "deleted" a character by covering up whatever was there.
Keep learning
- Practice the reach in Lesson 26: Numbers 6 to 0.
- More keys: Backspace, Insert key, Escape key, Home key.
- See every keyboard key explained.
- Names of all the symbols: Keyboard Characters and Meanings.
Quick drill: find the Delete key
Press the key on your keyboard, or click or tap it below, when Rocky asks. Wrong key? We will tell you what it was.
Delete key FAQ
What is the difference between Delete and Backspace?
Delete erases the character to the right of the cursor. Backspace erases the character to the left.
How do I delete forward on a Chromebook?
Press Alt + Backspace.
Can I get a deleted file back?
Usually, yes. Look in the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). Files deleted with Shift + Delete skip the Recycle Bin.