How to Delete Files From SD Card on Computer [Complete Guide]

Removing unnecessary files from your SD card is essential when you run out of storage space. But the question is how to delete files from SD card on computer easily and quickly without disturbing important files.

This article will provide you with an overview of some effective ways to remove files from SD cards. You will also discover reasons to do so and what problems you can encounter while deleting files. 

Why Do You Need to Delete Files From an SD Card?

The significance of SD cards is increasing more rapidly today than ever before. It helps in keeping more files than primary devices. Clearing SD card files not just allows you to organize files on Mac but helps make space for other important data. Click here to learn more about organizing files on Mac. 

Most people erase memory card data when it has been infected with malware or other toxic programs. Sometimes the SD card doesn’t allow storing files and displays an error that says “no permission to delete”. Data corruption can also lead to the need to delete SD card data.

 How Do You Erase SD Card Files? 

Now you know which factors lead to the need to erase SD card files. It’s time to discover the most efficient ways to delete unnecessary data from your SD or memory card.

Preparing the SD Card for Deletion

Before attempting to delete files from an SD card, it’s important to properly prepare the SD card and the computer being used. This may involve safely removing the SD card from any device it’s currently connected to. If the SD card is connected to a device, such as a digital camera or smartphone, it’s important to use the proper method for safely removing it to avoid damaging the SD card or losing data.

After removing the SD card from any connected devices, connect it to the computer to be used for deletion. This can typically be done using an SD card reader or by inserting the SD card directly into the computer’s SD card slot, if available.

Once the SD card is properly connected to the computer, it should be recognized by the computer’s operating system, and be ready for file deletion. It’s important to ensure that the computer and SD card are both working properly and free from errors or issues that could cause data loss or corruption.

By properly preparing the SD card and computer, a user can ensure that the file deletion process is safe and effective, and avoid potential issues that could result in data loss or corruption.

Deleting Files Using File Explorer

One of the most straightforward ways to delete files from an SD card is by using the built-in file management tool, File Explorer. This process involves opening File Explorer, locating the SD card, selecting the files to be deleted, and using the delete option.

To delete files using File Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer on your computer.
2. Locate the SD card in the list of drives and folders.
3. Select the files or folders to be deleted by clicking on them while holding down the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard.
4. Right-click on one of the selected files and select “Delete” from the context menu.
5. Confirm the deletion by clicking “Yes” in the confirmation dialog that appears.

This process will move the selected files to the Recycle Bin, where they can still be recovered if necessary. If you are certain that you want to permanently delete the files, you can empty the Recycle Bin after the deletion process is complete.

Using File Explorer to delete files from an SD card is a simple and straightforward process that can be easily accomplished by most users. By following these steps, a user can quickly remove unwanted or outdated files from their SD card and free up space for new content.

Clear SD Card From My Computer 

Place the memory card into the adapter and connect it to the computer. Press the Windows and E keys or tap File Explorer to access Windows File Explorer. Open the Computer or My PC by clicking on it. Locate the SD card folder under Devices and drivers in the My PC folder.

In the SD card folder, left-click on the selected file. Press the Delete key. When you do that, you will be prompted to confirm that action. Tap on the Yes option to confirm that you want to permanently delete the file. After finding the SD card folder, you can press Shift and Delete to bypass confirmation. 

Format Your SD Card

If you don’t know how to delete files from SD card on a computer completely, then opt for this method. Formatting your SD card will help in fully erasing the card. Access Windows Explorer by entering Windows Explorer into the search bar of Cortana and tapping on the icon. 

Or, hold Windows and E. Next, open My PC or This PC folder. Locate the SD card folder and open it. Expand the Devices and Drives option to locate your memory card. Right-click the memory card drive. Scroll down and find Format. Click on it and allow formatting of the memory card. 

Delete Entire SD Card Contents

To delete files from your SD card, you can delete all the contents on your SD card using a smartphone. Insert the SD card into your phone. Tap Home, Volume Down, and Power to reboot your device.

 Once you press these keys, it will take you to recovery mode. To discover more options, press the Volume Down button. Select the ‘Wipe data/Factory Reset’ option by clicking on the Home button. It will remove all the data from the memory card.

Try Windows Utility – Diskpart 

This window utility program is similar to a power shell or a command prompt. This method is recommended when you have some technical know-how. Open this program by typing Diskpart into Cortana’s search field and clicking on it.

Input ‘list disk’ to access a list of disks and drives presently available on your system. Note down the number showing the SD card. Input select + (your SD card name). Discover your SD card. Enter clean to delete your memory card. Hit Enter. You’ll get a message ‘Diskpart succeeded in cleaning the disk.

Using Third-Party Software

In some cases, using third-party software may be a more convenient or effective way to delete files from an SD card. There are many options available, ranging from basic file management tools to more advanced software designed specifically for SD card management.

When choosing a third-party software for file deletion, it’s important to consider factors such as compatibility with your computer and SD card, ease of use, and features. Some popular options include:

• SD Card Formatter: A free, basic tool specifically designed for formatting and managing SD cards. It includes a file deletion feature and is widely regarded as a reliable option.
• EaseUS Partition Master: A comprehensive partition management tool that includes file deletion, formatting, and other features. It is available as a free version with basic features, as well as a paid version with more advanced features.
• CCleaner: A popular system cleaning and optimization tool that includes a file deletion feature. It is available as a free version with basic features, as well as a paid version with more advanced features.

To delete files using third-party software, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the software of your choice.
2. Connect the SD card to the computer.
3. Open the software and locate the SD card in the list of drives.
4. Select the files to be deleted.
5. Use the delete or erase feature in the software to remove the selected files.

Using third-party software to delete files from an SD card can offer additional features and benefits, such as faster file deletion, more advanced file management options, and improved compatibility with different types of SD cards. By choosing the right software for your needs, a user can enhance their experience when deleting files from an SD card.

Emptying the Recycle Bin

After deleting files from an SD card using either File Explorer or third-party software, it’s important to remember to empty the Recycle Bin on your computer. This will permanently delete the files from your computer and free up space on your hard drive.

To empty the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:

1. Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
2. Select all the files in the Recycle Bin by pressing “Ctrl + A” on your keyboard.
3. Right-click on one of the selected files and select “Delete” from the context menu.
4. Confirm the permanent deletion by clicking “Yes” in the confirmation dialog that appears.

Emptying the Recycle Bin is an important step in the file deletion process, as it ensures that the files are permanently removed from your computer and cannot be recovered. This is especially important when deleting sensitive or confidential files, as well as when freeing up space on your hard drive.

Can’t Erase SD Card Data?

Although all the methods discussed above are highly effective in getting rid of unnecessary files. Sometimes, write protection on your micro SD card doesn’t allow deleting such files. It could also happen if the file you want to erase is still opening. So, close them completely.

The corrupted file system of your SD card can also become an obstacle while removing files. So, protect your card by including read-only attributes. Poor contact between the SD card slot or adapter and the SD card will also not support deleting card files. So, adjust them. 

Conclusion

That’s all you can learn when going to delete data from your SD card on a computer. No matter what the reason is for removing files on an SD card, you need to be careful about protecting other crucial data. Copy that vital data to the cloud and then recover it again.  

Take out enough time when you are getting rid of unwanted files on the SD card to avoid deleting other important data. So, try the most useful solution as per your requirement and start saving your vital files on your SD card.