How to Delete the Files on a USB Flash Drive

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Delete the Files on a USB Flash Drive

A USB flash drive is a storage device that plugs into the USB port of your computer. These devices often have a keychain attachment or lanyard that you can wear around your neck. They are useful for transferring files from one computer to another. When the files are no longer needed, you can delete them from the USB drive much in the same way that you would any other file on your computer. However, files deleted from a USB drive are not stored in the recycling bin of your computer.

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Step 1

Open "My Computer" under the "Start" menu.

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Step 2

Step 2
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Plug your USB drive into the USB port on your computer.

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Step 3

Locate the new folder that appears on the "My Computer" screen. It will have a drive letter like "E," "F" or "G."

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Step 4

Double-click on the new drive. A folder will open that contains all of the files on your USB drive.

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Step 5

Click on the file or files that you want to delete. If you want to delete more than one file, then hold down the "Ctrl" key as you click on each file.

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Step 6

Step 6
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Press the "Delete" key on your computer keyboard.

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Step 7

Select "Yes" when the window asking if you want to delete the files permanently appears.

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Step 8

Close the USB drive folder.

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Step 9

Click on the "Safely Remove Mass Storage Device" icon on the lower right side of the screen.

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Step 10

Choose the drive letter that matches your USB folder.

Step 11

Remove the USB drive from the USB slot when the "Safe To Remove Hardware" message appears.

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