Forum Discussion
My computer says 'Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.' Which one is the Delete key?
My computer screen prompts me to press Ctrl plus Alt plus Delete to continue, but I am unsure which key is the Delete key. I want to know how to identify the Delete key on my keyboard so I can follow the instructions correctly. Can someone explain clearly which key I should press and how to find it? I am worried about pressing the wrong key and causing issues with my computer.
3 Replies
The Delete key is usually labeled `Delete` or `Del`. On a full-size keyboard, look in the group of keys above the arrow keys, near Insert, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down. On many laptops it is in the top-right area of the keyboard and may share a key with another function, so you might see `Del` printed in smaller text. To press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, hold down Ctrl and Alt first, then tap Delete once. Pressing the wrong key will not damage the computer; if nothing happens, just try again more slowly. If your laptop uses a compact layout, check the top row and the keys near Backspace, because manufacturers place Del in different spots.
Now look directly above or slightly to the right of Backspace—that's almost always where the Delete key lives.
This is the Delete key on a laptop keyboard.
This is the Delete/Del key on a PC keyboard.
This is the Delete key on a Mac keyboard.
The key is usually labelled Delete or Del. On a full-sized keyboard, look near the upper-right corner, often beside the Insert, Home, and Page Up keys. Don't worry, pressing the wrong key will not damage the computer.
