Common picture locations
As well as the Pictures folder, check the Documents folder, Videos folder and the Downloads folder. If cloud storage accounts are linked to the computer, check locations such as
C:\Users\[Account Name]\OneDrive
C:\Users\[Account Name]\Dropbox
Delete permanently
After using the methods below to delete photos, the files can still be restored from the recycle Bin. It takes a further step to permanently remove access to deleted files.
- Right-clicking on the recycle bin on the desktop
- select Empty Recycle Bin from the context menu.
If you trust yourself to not delete anything in error, you can also hold Shift-Delete to permanently delete files without moving them to the Recycle Bin.
Delete Photos from the Photos App
Use the Photos App to find and delete pictures from both your local computer and any OneDrive accounts the computer is connected to.
- Open the Photos
- Navigate to the photo you want to delete.
- Right-click the photo and select Delete.
- Confirm deletion. This will remove the photo from your PC (it’s not just from the app).
Use File Explorer to search for pictures
Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to search.
Find the search box in the top right corner of the window.
Type kind:=picture into the search box.
Adjust the View and Sort options to help you find, select and delete personal photos/
Use the search kind:=video to do a similar video search.
Delete Photos from a cloud storage website
If you use a cloud storage service and want to ensure you delete pictures from both the cloud and any synced devices, log into the website of the service in an internet browser.
- Go to com.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Navigate to the folder containing your photos.
- Select the photos you want to delete.
- Click Delete (trash icon).