How to Delete Zip Files on PC or Mac

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This wikiHow teaches you how to permanently delete a Zip file, and remove all of its contents from your computer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows

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    You can search File Explorer, or find it on your Start menu.
    • You can also just open any folder on your computer to open a new File Explorer window.
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    Browse your folders in File Explorer, or use the Search Quick access field on the top-right corner, and find the Zip file you want to delete.
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    This will select and highlight the Zip file.
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    This keyboard combination will permanently delete the selected Zip file without moving it to your trash folder or Recycle Bin.
    • You will have to confirm your action in a new pop-up window.
    • If you just want to move the file to Recycle Bin, press Delete .
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    This will permanently delete your Zip file, and remove it from your PC.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Mac

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    Click the blue smiling face icon the far-left end of your Dock to open Finder.
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    Browse your files, or use the Search bar on the top-right corner of the Finder window, and open the folder that contains the Zip file you want to delete.
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    This will open your right-click options on a drop-down menu.
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    This will move the selected Zip file to your computer's Trash bin.
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    Click the trash bin icon on the far-right end of your Dock to open Trash in a new window.
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    This will open your right-click menu.
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    This will permanently delete the selected Zip file, and remove it from your Mac.
    • Alternatively, you can select Empty Trash on the right-click menu here to delete everything in your Trash.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      On Windows
      1. Select the Zip file you want to delete.
      2. Press Shift and Delete on your keyboard at the same time.

      On Mac
      1. Right-click the Zip file, and select Move to Trash .
      3. Right-click the Zip in Trash, and select Delete Immediately .

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 42,997 times.

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