Shift + Delete Shortcut Not Working? Try These Fixes

  author
Written By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On May 7th, 2025
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Overview: In this blog post, we are going to discuss the reasons why shift delete shortcut is not working within your PC. Also, we will be providing you with various manual solutions to fix this problem. Before we move forward let us understand the use of shift + delete shortcut.

Shift + Delete Shortcut is the most commonly used command which is used by Windows users to permanently delete files from the system without entering the recycle bin. But, what if the problem of shift delete shortcut not working happens with your keyword and stops responding completely. Then, you may be worried because it is used to delete your personal data which you can’t do now. To resolve this, continue reading the blog.

If your keyboard shortcuts are not working. Then, you can go through this guide on how to factory reset PC? This is one of the ways to fix the shortcut issue.

Table of Contents Hide

Why is Shift + Delete Shortcut Not Working? Reasons Behind 

There could be some common reasons that can lead to problems like Shift delete shortcut not working. Let’s once recall all this points:

  • This can be due to hardware problems or keys which are damaged by which it’s unresponsive.
  • You may not know that third party software installed in your system like management tools might interrupt your default keyboard shortcut by which it may not work.
  • If your system files are missing, then it can cause some problems with certain shortcut functions.
  • There are Windows features like sticky keys, filter keys which can interfere with your overall standard keyboard functionality. It means that some of the keys may not respond.
  •  Also, one reason could be if your keyboard driver is outdated or gets corrupted.
  • You may have restrictions on files which you can’t delete using the shift + delete button.

Manual Methods to Fix Shift Delete Shortcut Not Working Issue – Top 8 Solution

Follow these quick solutions to restore shift + delete functionality. Let’s try out one by one in the following section.

#1. Ensure Your Keyboard is Working Properly

  • Firstly, make sure the Shift and Delete keys are not stuck or damaged.
  • Try using an external keyboard to test the shortcut.
  • Regularly clean your keyboard from dust.

#2. Using On-Screen Keyboard

  • Start by Pressing Windows + R to open Run.
  • Type ‘osk‘ and press Enter.
  • Try using Shift + Delete on the screen keyboard to see whether it is a hardware issue.

#3. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

  • You need to open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).
  • Then, expand the Keyboards section, right-click on your keyboard, and choose the Update driver.update driver
  • Alternatively, uninstall the driver and restart your system for Windows to reinstall it automatically.

Uninstall device

#4. Run System File Checker 

  • Open the Command Prompt with administrator rights.
  • Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
  • Let it scan and repair corrupt system files.

#5. Check Your Settings

  • Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
  • Turn off Sticky Keys and Filter Keys if they’re enabled.

#6. Try Deleting Through File Menu

If shortcut is not working, then try:

  • First, select the file, hold Shift, and click Delete from the right-click menu.
  • Or use the File menu in File Explorer while holding the Shift key.

#7. Check File Permissions

  • You need to right-click the file > Properties > Security tab.
  • Just ensure your user account has Full control.

full control

  • You can also change the permissions if need be via Advanced settings.

advanced option

Best Alternative to Fix Shift Delete Shortcut Not Working Issue

If you are still facing the issue of keyboard shortcuts not working even after using the above solutions. Then, I suggest you to go with SysTools Data Erasure Software to permanently delete unnecessary files beyond recovery. It is the best reliable alternative to use as it supports both internal & external drives especially when your keyboard shortcut fails. It makes data unrecoverable using certified data standards.

Follow this Tool Steps to Fix – Automated Tool

Here, in this section you will get the quick steps to use our software and resolve your problem efficiently.

1. Firstly, go to the Search menu, then select All Programs > All Programs > SysTools Data Wipe Software.

tool main screen
2. Right-click on the software and select Open.
3. Click on Add File or Add Folder depending on your needs.

select file or folder
4. Now, select the folder you want to wipe from the file location.
This works for cases like (C:\Program Files (x86)\Free Chess).

5. Press Next to scan your files and folders.

click on next

6. Choose a method of data wiping.

choose a data wiping method
7. Now, it’s time for the Wipe button.

press on wipe button
8. After the tool completes its action for file/folder deletion, the details will be shown on the screen.

wiping report

Conclusion

If you are facing the problem of shift delete shortcut not working anymore, you can have some issue with your file management. Usually, these can cause some problems with your keyboard or perhaps some system settings or just minor glitches that are easy to fix. Following the mentioned methods will help you to fix the problem of permanent delete function and allow you to regain control over your files.

  author

By Ashwani Tiwari

Being a Chief Technical Analyst, I am aware of the technicalities faced by the user while working with multiple technologies. So, through my blogs and articles, I love to help all the users who face various challenges while dealing with technology.