Summary of the Article: How to Delete a File That Won’t Delete
When you encounter a file that cannot be deleted normally, there are a few methods you can try. One option is to use the delete command by selecting the file or folder and pressing Shift + Delete on your keyboard. Another method is to force delete the file, which involves using the command window and the DEL /F command. If a file is in use, you may need to determine the process that has an open handle on the file and close that process. In some cases, restarting Windows Explorer or performing a clean boot can also help resolve the issue. If you cannot locate the file or encounter error messages, you can try restarting Windows Explorer, zipping the file and then deleting it, using PowerShell, renaming the file, or deleting it in safe mode. If you need permission from the system to delete a file, you can take ownership of the file or folder, disable User Account Control, activate the built-in Administrator account, use SFC (System File Checker), or enter safe mode. Deleting files on a phone is also possible by accessing the Files app and selecting the file to delete.
Questions and Answers:
Q: How do I delete a file that won’t delete?
A: One method to try is using the delete option by selecting the file or folder and pressing Shift + Delete on your keyboard. Another option is to force delete the file by using the command window and the DEL /F command.
Q: Why won’t my files let me delete a file?
A: You may not be able to delete a file if it is currently being used by a process. To resolve this, you need to determine the process that has an open handle on the file and close it. Sometimes, the file may be open for exclusive access instead of shared access.
Q: How do you force delete a file in use?
A: In the command window, type DEL /F file name and press Enter to force delete the file that is in use.
Q: How do I delete a file that won’t delete in Windows 10?
A: You can try restarting Windows Explorer by pressing CTRL+Shift+ESC to open the task manager, finding “Windows Explorer,” and selecting restart. If that doesn’t work, you can use a clean boot to remove the problem. Please note that a clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.
Q: How do I force delete a file that cannot be found?
A: If you encounter a message stating that the file cannot be found, you can try the following fixes: restart Windows Explorer, zip the item and then delete the zipped file, delete the file using PowerShell, rename the file, try deleting the item in safe mode, or use a third-party app.
Q: How do I get permission from the system to delete a file?
A: To gain permission to delete a file, you can take ownership of the file or folder, disable User Account Control, activate the built-in Administrator account, use SFC (System File Checker), or enter safe mode.
Q: How do you delete a file?
A: On a phone, open the Files app, tap on the file, and then tap the Delete option. If the Delete icon is not visible, you can tap on More and then select Delete.
Q: How do I force delete an undeletable file?
A: One solution is to close the folder or file that is in use and try again. Press “Ctrl + Alt + Delete” simultaneously and choose “Task Manager” to open it. Find the application that has your data in use, select it, and click “End task.” Afterward, attempt to delete the undeletable file.
How do I delete a file that won’t delete
One is simply using the delete option, and the other one is deleting files permanently. When you can't delete a file normally, you can delete undeletable files Windows 10 by selecting the target file or folder and then press Shift + Delete keys on the keyboard for a try.
Cached
Why won’t my files let me delete a file
You can't delete a file if the file is being used. To resolve this issue, determine the process that has the open handle, and then close that process. Depending on how the file is opened, you may not be able to delete a file that's in use. For example, the file is open for exclusive access instead of shared access.
Cached
How do you force delete a file in use
In the command window, type the DEL /F file name command and press Enter to force delete the file that is in use.
How do I delete a file that won’t delete in Windows 10
You can try pressing CTRL+shift+ESC to open the task manager, find "Windows Explorer" and select restart. Then try to delete again. If that doesn't remove it, you can remove the problem with a clean boot. Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.
How do I force delete a file that Cannot be found
If you're stuck with this message, here are some fixes to get rid of it.Restart Windows Explorer.Zip Up the Item and Then Delete the Zipped File.Delete the File Using PowerShell.Try Renaming the File.Try Deleting the Item in Safe Mode.Use a Third-Party App.
How do I get permission from system to delete a file
How to Fix You Need Administrator Permission to Delete a Folder/FileTake ownership of the file or the folder.Disable User Account Control.Activate the built-in Administrator account.Use SFC.Use Safe Mode.
How do you delete a file
Delete filesOpen your phone's Files app .Tap a file.Tap Delete Delete. If you don't see the Delete icon, tap More. Delete .
How do I force delete an Undeletable file
Solution 1. Close the Folder or File and Try AgainPress "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" simultaneously and choose "Task Manager" to open it.Find the application where your data is in use. Select it and click "End task".Try to delete the undeletable information once again.
How do I force delete a file that is too long
Using CMD to delete long file names in Windows 10Open File Explorer and find the directory where the file is.Type "DIR /X" and press "Enter".Now, you can just right-click on it and select "Delete" to remove it directly from your computer in the File Explorer.
How do I force delete a folder in Windows 10
To begin, use our guide to boot your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC into safe mode. Once in safe mode, open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to delete. Then, right-click on the folder and select “Delete”. Your folder has been deleted.
Why is my PC not letting me delete a folder
If Windows 10 refuses to delete a folder or file, this might be caused by two reasons. Either the affected files/folders are currently being used by Windows 10 or a running software – or you don´t have the rquired permissions to delete the folder/file.
How do I delete stubborn files and folders
How to Delete Stubborn Files With a Hotkey. Windows 11's Shift + Del hotkey might force delete a stubborn file if there's an issue with your Recycle Bin. Pressing the Shift + Del key combination will usually erase a file without it going into the Recycle Bin.
How do I unlock a file for deletion
Right-click the filename and choose “Properties.” Click the “Close Handle” button. By doing so, the file is unlocked, and you can delete it.
How do I clear permissions
Change app permissionsOn your phone, open the Settings app.Tap Apps.Tap the app you want to change. If you can't find it, tap See all apps.Tap Permissions. If you allowed or denied any permissions for the app, you'll find them here.To change a permission setting, tap it, then choose Allow or Don't allow.
How do I get administrator permission
How to Change Administrator on Windows 10 via SettingsClick the Windows Start button.Then click Settings.Next, select Accounts.Choose Family & other users.Click on a user account under the Other users panel.Then select Change account type.Choose Administrator in the Change account type dropdown.
What is the key to delete files
Shift+Delete
Was this answer helpful
How do I delete a file or folder
Delete a folderRight-click the folder you want to delete and click Delete Folder.Click Yes to move the folder and its contents to the Deleted Items folder. When you empty the Deleted Items folder, everything in it — including any folders you've deleted — is permanently erased.
How do I delete a locked file
Method 1 Delete the file by ending the explorer.exe processEnd the explorer.exe process. This process mostly prevents users from deleting files in use.Go to file location in command prompt. To open a command prompt, click "Start" and then "Run".Delete the locked files.Restart the process.
How do I delete an Undeletable folder
The Task Manager can help you do that.Press "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" simultaneously and choose "Task Manager" to open it.Find the application where your data is in use. Select it and click "End task".Try to delete the undeletable information once again.
How do I force delete a locked file in Windows
Locate your file by opening the Start menu, then the “File Explorer.” Click the earlier locked file, then the “Home” tab, and then “Delete” in the following toolbar. Alternatively, you may select the file by clicking on it and pressing the “Delete” key.
Why wont Microsoft let me delete folder
The most common reason why you cannot delete a file is lack of user rights on the system. If your user account does not have administrator rights, you will need to log in with an appropriate admin account. If someone else is managing your system as an administrator, you will need to contact them.
How do I get permission from System to delete a file
How to Fix You Need Administrator Permission to Delete a Folder/FileTake ownership of the file or the folder.Disable User Account Control.Activate the built-in Administrator account.Use SFC.Use Safe Mode.
How do I force delete a folder that is not empty
Use the rmdir or rm -d command to remove empty directories. Use the rm -r command to remove non-empty directories.
Why are files locked
The file might be locked because: The file is shared and another user is currently editing it. An instance of the Office app is running in the background with the file already opened. The file has been marked as Final and can no longer be updated.
How do I turn off access permissions
Change app permissionsOn your phone, open the Settings app.Tap Apps.Tap the app you want to change. If you can't find it, tap See all apps.Tap Permissions. If you allowed or denied any permissions for the app, you'll find them here.To change a permission setting, tap it, then choose Allow or Don't allow.
