Renaming and Deleting Files
Every file has a name. You can change that name any time. Renaming a file helps you remember what is inside it. A file named drawing1 tells you very little. A file named My Dog Drawing tells you exactly what it is.
✏️ How to Rename a File
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Right-click method | Right-click the file → click Rename → type the new name → press Enter |
| Slow double-click | Click the file once, pause, then click the name again → type new name → press Enter |
| F2 key shortcut | Click the file once to select it → press F2 → type new name → press Enter |
Deleting a File Sends It to the Recycle Bin
When you delete a file, the computer does not remove it straight away. The file moves to the Recycle Bin first. The Recycle Bin holds deleted files until you empty it.
🗑️ Delete Flow — Animated
📄
Your File
→
🗑️
Recycle Bin
(still there!)
(still there!)
→
❌
Empty Bin
(gone forever)
(gone forever)
🗑️ How to Delete a File
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Delete key | Click the file once → press the Delete key |
| Right-click method | Right-click the file → click Delete |
| Permanent delete | Click file → press Shift + Delete (skips Recycle Bin — careful!) |
Example: The Recycle Bin is like a wastepaper basket in a classroom. You throw a paper in (delete a file). The paper is still in the basket. Only when you empty the basket is the paper truly gone.
✏️ Exercise
| # | Question |
|---|---|
| 1 | Which shortcut key renames a selected file? |
| 2 | Where does a deleted file go first? |
| 3 | What happens when you empty the Recycle Bin? |
| 4 | How do you permanently delete a file without the Recycle Bin? |
| 1. | F2 |
| 2. | The Recycle Bin |
| 3. | The files are deleted forever and cannot be recovered |
| 4. | Shift + Delete |
Quick Review
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why rename a file? | So you know what is inside it and find it quickly |
| What does the Delete key do? | Moves the file to the Recycle Bin |
| Can you get a file back from the Recycle Bin? | Yes — right-click it and choose Restore |