Chrome OS joins the ranks of desktop operating systems with a feature that Windows has had for over 25 years

Chrome OS was never intended to be complex. Rather, Google tried to provide users with a simple and efficient solution for browser access, without too many elements getting in the way of accessing the internet or focusing on the task at hand. In recent years though, Chrome OS has evolved into something more advanced, with Android apps and even native apps, but Google still shies away from over-complicating the user experience. Still, even so, the company believes the OS needs a feature that Windows has had for more than 25 years.

Chrome OS users will be able to delete files without the worry of not being able to recover them

Chrome OS 108, the latest version of Google’s operating system, offers a new capability that, frankly, we didn’t think we’d miss in 2022. It’s a virtual “recycle bin” that will hold files for a while before they’re permanently deleted, in case you change your mind.

The Files app, the equivalent of Explorer in Windows or Finder in macOS, now has a dedicated menu for deleted files. It’s called Trash Can (very original) and works in a similar way to Windows’ Recycle Bin. If you delete a file from Files, it immediately moves to Trash. From there you can retrieve it if you change your mind, or you can empty the Trash permanently, manually. Also, if you haven’t restored the file within 30 days, it will be automatically deleted.

Advanced Chrome OS users know, however, that a similar feature was available as far back as Chrome OS 89, but at an unfinished stage. It could be enabled from the “flags” menu, but is now available by default to all Chrome OS users.

Most likely, the integration of trash on Google OS will lead to less frustration among users, who can now quickly recover their accidentally deleted files.