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How to Delete Files That Cannot Be Deleted Windows 10?

Are you trying to delete a file on your Windows 10 computer, but it just won’t go away? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many Windows 10 users encounter this problem and can’t figure out why their computer won’t let them delete a file. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common issues with deleting files on Windows 10, as well as some tips and tricks to help you get rid of any files that are giving you trouble.

How to Delete Files That Cannot Be Deleted Windows 10?

What to Do When Files Cannot be Deleted in Windows 10?

Deleting files in Windows 10 should be a straightforward process, but sometimes it can be challenging to delete certain files. In some cases, files cannot be deleted in Windows 10 due to various reasons such as the file is in use by another program, the file is corrupt, or the file is write-protected. Fortunately, there are ways to delete files that cannot be deleted in Windows 10.

One of the first steps to take when trying to delete a file that cannot be deleted in Windows 10 is to check the file’s properties. Right-click on the file and select Properties. This will open a dialog box with several tabs, including the General tab. Here, you can check the file attributes, including the Read-only box. If the Read-only box is checked, uncheck it and try to delete the file again.

Another step to take is to use a powerful third-party file deletion tool. These tools can help you delete files that are in use, corrupt, or write-protected. There are several free tools available online that can help delete stubborn files. These tools can help delete files that cannot be deleted with Windows 10’s built-in file deletion tools.

Using Command Prompt to Delete Files

The Command Prompt is a powerful tool that can be used to delete stubborn files. To use the Command Prompt to delete a file, open the Command Prompt as an administrator, type in the command “del ”, and press Enter. This should delete the file if it is not in use or write-protected. If the file is in use, you can try using the command “del /f ” which will force the file to be deleted.

Another command that can be used is “del /a ”. This command will delete the file if it is not write-protected. If the file is write-protected, you can use the command “del /f /a ” which will force the file to be deleted even if it is write-protected.

Using Unlocker to Delete Files

Unlocker is a free tool that can help delete files that cannot be deleted in Windows 10. This tool can be used to delete files that are in use, corrupt, or write-protected. To use Unlocker, download and install the program and then right-click on the file that you want to delete. Select the Unlocker option and then select the Delete option. This should delete the file even if it is in use, corrupt, or write-protected.

Using Take Ownership to Delete Files

If a file cannot be deleted, you can try taking ownership of the file. To do this, right-click on the file and select Properties. Then, select the Security tab and click the Advanced button. Here, you can select the Owner tab and then click the Edit button. You can then select the user that you want to take ownership of the file. Once you have taken ownership of the file, you can try deleting it again.

Using Safe Mode to Delete Files

Safe Mode is a special mode in Windows 10 that can be used to delete stubborn files. To boot into Safe Mode, press the F8 key during boot-up and select the Safe Mode option. Once in Safe Mode, try deleting the file again. This should work even if the file is in use, corrupt, or write-protected.

Using System Restore to Delete Files

If all else fails, you can try using System Restore. System Restore will restore your computer to a previous state, which can help delete stubborn files. To use System Restore, open the Control Panel and select the System and Security option. Then, select the System Restore option and follow the on-screen instructions.

Few Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main reason why files cannot be deleted from Windows 10?

The main reason why files cannot be deleted from Windows 10 is because the files are open in a program, locked by a process, or the file is corrupt. If the file is open in a program, you can try closing the program and then attempting to delete the file. If the file is locked by a process, you can try restarting your computer to see if the lock is removed. If the file is corrupt, you may need to use a third-party software to either repair or delete the file.

2. Is there a way to delete a file that is locked by a process?

Yes, you can try restarting your computer to see if the lock on the file is removed. If the lock on the file remains after restarting your computer, you may need to use a third-party software to delete the file.

3. How do I delete a corrupt file in Windows 10?

To delete a corrupt file in Windows 10, you may need to use a third-party software to either repair or delete the file. There are many software programs available online that will allow you to scan and repair corrupt files. Once the file has been repaired, you can then delete it.

4. What should I do if the file is open in a program?

If the file is open in a program, you can try closing the program and then attempting to delete the file. If the file is still not deleted, you may need to use a third-party software to either repair or delete the file.

5. Are there any risks associated with using a third-party software to delete files?

Yes, there are risks associated with using a third-party software to delete files. It is important to make sure that the software you are using is reliable and secure. It is also important to make sure that the software is compatible with the version of Windows you are using.

6. Is it possible to recover a deleted file in Windows 10?

Yes, it is possible to recover a deleted file in Windows 10. You can use a data recovery software program to scan and recover deleted files. There are many software programs available online that will allow you to scan and recover deleted files.

Force Delete a File That Cannot Be Deleted Windows 10

Deleting files that cannot be deleted in Windows 10 may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, it can be done. By using the Command Prompt or a specialized third-party file deletion software, you can easily delete files that cannot be deleted in Windows 10. Ultimately, the process of deleting a file that can’t be deleted can be time-consuming, but the time spent will be worth it in the long run.