---
id: freeing-space.how-do-i-permanently-delete-from-the-recycle-vault
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/how-do-i-permanently-delete-from-the-recycle-vault
category: "Freeing up space"
subcategory: "Recycle Vault"
question: "How do I permanently delete items from the Recycle Vault?"
alt_questions:
  - "Delete now Recycle Vault"
  - "Empty the Recycle Vault"
  - "Free space used by the Recycle Vault"
  - "Deleting a lot at once is slow"
  - "Permanently remove recoverable files"
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."
tags: ["recycle vault", "delete", "permanent"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/how-long-does-the-recycle-vault-keep-files", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/how-much-of-my-drive-can-the-recycle-vault-use"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# 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](https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/how-long-does-the-recycle-vault-keep-files).