How do I permanently delete items from the Recycle Vault?

Q: How do I permanently delete items from the Recycle Vault?

Select the items and choose Delete now. It asks you to confirm, because this is the one action in the vault that can't be undone. A large selection is erased one item at a time, with a count of how far it has got and the list emptying as it goes — so the window keeps responding while it works rather than going quiet. Otherwise, items clear on their own after about 6 months. See how long files are kept.

Short answer: Select the items and choose Delete now, then confirm — it can't be undone. Big selections are erased one by one with a running count, so the window stays responsive.

Select the items and choose Delete now. It asks you to confirm, because this is the one action in the vault that can't be undone.

A large selection is erased one item at a time, with a count of how far it has got and the list emptying as it goes — so the window keeps responding while it works rather than going quiet. Otherwise, items clear on their own after about 6 months. See how long files are kept.

Last reviewed October 1, 2026

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How do I permanently delete items from the Recycle Vault?

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