What to do if you can't delete a file

In this article you will find out:

why can't you delete files

3 ways to forcibly remove files

how to protect your data

Are you ready? Let's read!

Why can't you delete files?

Can't delete files

The most frequent causes of a file being unavailable are another software using it, file blocking, or a malware assault. Occasionally, you might not even be aware that a file is being utilized by an offline software. As a result, it is not always easy to comprehend what is occurring and the reasons why the file cannot be deleted right away.

To begin with, you can just try to restart your computer. This will close all running programs and get rid of single system failures.

After that, you can run an antivirus application and find out if there is a virus on your computer and get rid of it.

You want to delete files or an entire folder, but you can't do that?

Solution 1: Force delete

For this, use the Task Manager, which can be opened by right-clicking on the taskbar. As soon as you get to the Task Manager, find the application that is currently using the file. Then select “End Task” and try deleting the file from Windows again.

Solution 2: Use Command Prompt to delete a file or folder

To do this, first copy or write down the location of the file that cannot be deleted and then open Command Prompt with administrator rights. Next, enter "del" and the previously recorded location of the folder or file, and press Enter (for example, del c: \ users \ Job Corn \ Desktop \ text.txt).

Solution 3: Enter Safe Mode and unlock files

In Safe Mode, you can unlock and delete a file.

In the Computer Settings, click on the “Update & Security” section. Next, click on the "Recovery" subsection and select "Advanced Startup". Now select "Restart Now". Once you see the option "Troubleshoot", select it and then click on "Advanced Options". In Startup Options, select “Safe Mode” and wait for your computer to boot into Safe Mode. Next, using Explorer, find and then delete files or folders previously inaccessible for deletion. After rebooting, you will return to normal mode.

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