How to Force Delete Undeletable Files in Windows

There can be many situations where Windows prevents you from deleting a particular file. The file may be in use, you may not have privileges to access it, or the file itself may be problematic. Regardless of the cause, there are solutions to this problem. This tutorial shows you how to force delete undeletable files in Windows.

1. Use the Force Delete shortcut.

Windows features a keyboard shortcut that allows users to permanently delete a file. This will delete the file from the system without first moving it to the Recycle Bin.

To permanently delete a file, first select it, then press and hold the key. Shift And press Delete. Windows will ask you if you really want to permanently delete the file. Select "Yeah" To follow up the process.

2. Restart the computer

In most cases, a simple reboot is all you need to fix these issues. A system file issue is likely the culprit, and restarting your computer will give them a clean slate to work with, hopefully resolving the issue.

3. Force close apps running in the background

Windows won't delete a file if a program is currently using it. If a program is still executing the file, simply close the program and try deleting it again.

There's also a possibility that the program has a background process still using the file. Follow these steps to force-close the application.

1. Right click on the menu START YOUR and select "Task Manager".
   
2. Find a process associated with a program you think might be using your target file. Once you find it, select it and click "Finish the job" To stop it.
   
3. You should be able to delete the file now.

4. Use Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell is a powerful console command that can do almost anything if directed correctly. For example, you can force-delete undeletable files or applications from your computer by following these steps:

1. Find the file you want to delete using File Explorer, then right-click on it and select Copy as path. Quit File Explorer.
   
2. Right-click on the Start menu and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” Or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
   
3. Type of the followed by a space, then press Ctrl + V To paste the path you copied earlier. Finally, press Enter.
   

5. Take ownership of the file

If Windows gives an error stating that you don't have the privilege to delete the file, it's likely an ownership issue. This usually happens when you upgrade Windows or when you set up multiple user accounts on your computer. Fortunately, if you're the computer administrator, you can easily reclaim ownership of any file and then delete it. To make things easier, you can even add an option "take ownership" In the context menu in Windows using a third-party application.

1. Visit the official page of winaero tweaker Download the tool.
2. Open the installation package, and click on "normal mode" و "the following" , then let the installation process finish.
   
3. Open the app, scroll down on the right pane, and tap "Getting ownership" , then enable the option Take Ownership Context Menu.
   
4. Go to File Explorer, find the file you want to delete, right-click on it, and then select “Take Ownership”.
   
5. try to delete File again.

Advice: Can't see the Windows sign-in screen?Try these tips to get it back.

6. Use a third party app

There are also third-party apps to fix common issues that cause files to become locked and unable to be deleted. We've used IObit Unlocker for this purpose several times, and it has always been successful. It even fixed the "file name too long" error that makes a file undeletable. If the above methods don't work for you, try IObit Unlocker.

Once the app is installed, it will allow you to open files and folders through its custom interface.

1. Download the IObit Unlocker And install it.
2. Open the app and click on "addition".
   
3. Find and select the app you want to remove.
4. enable "Power mode" , click the down arrow next to "to open" , and select Unlock and delete , Then click "OK".
   

Other third-party apps you can use include: lockhunter و EMCO UnLock IT.

7. Boot into safe mode

If nothing works, either the file is infected with malware, or the system itself is using the file. In either case, booting your computer in Safe Mode should allow you to delete the file. Safe Mode loads only the minimum required drivers and system files, and it also stops most types of malware.

1. press my key Windows + R To show the running application.
2. Type msconfig And press Enter.
   
3. Go to the tab Introduction and select “Safe boot”Make sure the option is selected. "minimum" below.
   
4. Click “Apply -> OK” Restart your computer. Try removing the file while your computer is running in Safe Mode.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can I recover deleted files if I need them again?
answer. First, check your Recycle Bin. If the file is there, you have a chance to recover it. If it's not in the Recycle Bin, there's a chance your hard drive still contains the file. You can extract it using file recovery software like Disk DrillAlternatively, you can try these other methods. To recover deleted files.

Q2: Can I delete a file using CMD instead of Windows PowerShell?
answer. Most commands that work with PowerShell also work with the Command Prompt, so if your computer doesn't have PowerShell, you can use the above commands with the Command Prompt. Just make sure you're running the console as an administrator.