What the Backspace key does
Backspace deletes the character to the left of the cursor. In browsers it used to navigate back a page, which most browsers have disabled to avoid accidental data loss. In file dialogs and Explorer it moves up one folder level.
On a Mac
Apple calls this key delete. It deletes backwards exactly like Backspace on Windows. Option+delete deletes the previous word and Command+delete deletes to the start of the line.
On a laptop
No difference on laptops; it keeps its full width on almost every layout.
Shortcuts that use the Backspace key
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+Backspace | Delete the previous word (Windows) |
| Option+Delete (Mac) | Delete the previous word |
| Alt+Backspace | Undo in some older apps |
| Backspace in Explorer | Go up one folder |
| Fn+Delete (Mac) | Forward delete |
If the Backspace key is missing or not working
If Backspace types a character or does nothing, another key may be stuck, or a layout with a different keymap is active. Test it below, then try a different app: some remote-desktop and browser-based apps intercept it.
Test it here: click the tester, press the key, and it should light up green. A red key is stuck; a key that never lights up is dead or intercepted by the system. The full keyboard tester has the press log and more detail.
Click the tester, then press any key. Browser shortcuts are blocked while it has focus.
—
- key
- —
- code
- —
- keyCode
- —
none
Max at once: 0 (rollover)
None detected. A key held for more than 2 seconds is flagged.
Frequently asked questions
Is Backspace the same as Delete? +
No. Backspace deletes to the left of the cursor and Delete deletes to the right. On Mac keyboards the Backspace key is labelled delete, which causes the confusion.
Why does Backspace not go back in my browser? +
Chrome, Firefox and Edge removed that shortcut because it discarded unsaved forms. Use Alt+Left arrow (Windows) or Command+Left bracket (Mac) instead.
How do I delete a whole word at once? +
Press Ctrl+Backspace on Windows or Option+delete on a Mac.
What is the symbol on the Backspace key? +
A left-pointing arrow, sometimes the ⌫ "erase to the left" symbol (Unicode U+232B).