Sometimes when you want to delete a file but can’t do it. Why and how to force delete a file in Windows? This articlewill introduce some ways on how to delete a file that won’t delete in Windows 10/11/8/7. However, if you mistakenlydeleted files from Windows or other storage devices like USB, external disk, etc., Tenorshare 4DDIG offersprofessional data recovery services. Read on to learn more.
Part 1: Why Can't I Delete a File on Windows
Part 2: How to Recover Permanently Deleted FilesHOT
Part 3: How to Delete a File That Won't DeleteNEW
Part 1. Why Can't I Delete a File on Windows 10/11?
There are a lot of reasons behind that file won't delete Windows 10. On behalf of this, we must know the reasonbehind this problem only after that can we fix this problem. So. check out the reasons that are mentioned below. The user runs the same file in another program or application. So, you cannot delete file open in system.
Maybe a sharing violation has been done.
You are not able to delete files because access is denied.
The same source or the file destination is in use.
Maybe a directory of the file is corrupted.
Scan your device with the help of an antivirus. Perhaps there is a virus that can be rid of it.
Maybe a sharing violation has been done.
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If you are in straits with how to force delete a file that won't delete, then there is no need to worry that there aremany ways to resolve delete files that won't delete kind of issue. We are going to write step by step guidebelow.
Bonus Tip: Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Windows?
When you encounter cannot delete a file on Windows, you can choose Shift + Delete Undeletable Files. But ifyou accidentally deleted a file that is useful from your Windows computer, you can restore permanently deleted filesusing a professional data recovery software like Tenorshare 4DDIG.4DDIG can easily recover any file types from all sorts of storage devices even after permanent deletion, virusdeletion, computer crash, etc.
Complete recover lost data from USB, SSD, hard drive, etc.
Recover deleted files from recycle bin after empty.
Recover 2000+ file formats, such asphotos, videos, music, documents, emails, and many more.
Firstly, you need to download and run this software on a computer.Choose the location from the main interface and click Start button to continue.
After a few minutes, the scanning process of the disk has been completed. Then all the recoverable filesare present on the screen. However, if you can’t find your lost files in the scanning results, you canswitch to the Deep Scan mode. It will scan more deeply to find lost files.
Now, you can preview and select file(s) to recover. Don’t save the files to the original location toavoid further overwriting.
Part 3. 3 Feasible Ways to Delete a File That Won't Delete in Windows
Follow all the ways below to delete files that cannot be deleted in Windows.
Way 1. Shift + Delete Undeletable Files
There are two ways to delete files in the windows system. One is simply using the delete option, and the otherone is deleting files permanently. When you can’t delete a file normally, you can delete undeletable filesWindows 10 by selecting the target file or folder and then press Shift + Delete keys on the keyboard for a try.
Attention
How to Recover Shift Deleted Files in Windows
Way 2. Force Delete a File or Folder using CMD
CMD stands for the Command Prompt. This is a very beneficial tool for the Windows computer. Users can try todelete files or folders that cannot be deleted in Windows with the help of it. Follow all the steps carefully onhow to delete files from command prompt.
Press Windows + R keys on the keyboard, then type “CMD” in the prompt command windows and run it as anadministrator by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys.
Now, you should input the command line and press the Enter button to delete the file.
The command line is like below:
del c:\users\pc\desktop\note.txt.
You can replace “c:\users\pc\desktop\note.txt” with the path of the file that you want to delete.
Way 3. Delete Files That Won't Delete in Windows Safe Mode
When you encounter a locked file, a simple device restart is often sufficient to unlock it. If this doesn't resolve the issue, booting into Safe Mode can provide access to unlock and delete a file that won't delete.
Navigate to the Settings panel, and choose Update & Security > Recovery.
Select Restart now under Advanced startup option.
After the PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > StartupSettings > Restart.
Now, your computer restarts. At this time users need to press “F4” or “4” to enter in the safe mode.
In the safe mode user can choose the file that is going to be deleted. After deleting the file, the userneeds to restart the computer and exit for safe mode.
The Bottom Line
After reading this article, your question of “how to delete a file that wont delete” may end here because all thepossible and best professional ways are discussed above. We hope that after following the step-by-step process,your issue is related to how to delete undeletable files in Windows 10 has been resolved. And in case youmistakenly deleted or lost a needed file in Windows, 4DDiG Data Recovery software can quickly recover data for you.
William Bollson (senior editor)
William Bollson, the editor-in-chief of 4DDiG, devotes to providing the best solutions for Windows and Mac related issues, including data recovery, repair, error fixes.
Use Shift + Delete to Force Delete File/Folder. You can select the target file or folder and press Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut to delete the file/folder permanently. This file deletion method won't pass the Recycle Bin. Note: Need to mention that this post is not talking about deleting Windows system files.
Use Shift + Delete to Force Delete File/Folder. You can select the target file or folder and press Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut to delete the file/folder permanently. This file deletion method won't pass the Recycle Bin. Note: Need to mention that this post is not talking about deleting Windows system files.
File owners have the implicit ability to modify file permissions, even if they aren't explicitly granted any permissions to the file. So, you may have to take ownership of a file, give yourself permissions to delete the file, and then delete the file.
Wise Force Deleter is a completely freeware that allows you to delete any file in your Windows system (64-bit and 32-bit). It has been developed and fully tested to work great on Windows 11, 10 and other Windows operating systems, from Windows XP and up.
Boot your PC or Mac into Safe Mode, then delete the files normally. On Windows, you can also open Command Prompt as an administrator and use del /F /Q /A <filepath>. On a Mac, delete corrupted files in Terminal using the command sudo rm -R filename.
Open Command Prompt. Press "Windows + S" at the same time, input "cmd" and run CMD as administrator.
Type the order. In the new window, type "del /f /q /a the file directory"and hit "Enter" key. ★Notes: /f: Force delete the folders or files. /q: Quirt mode.
You can use the key combination to force delete a file or folder. This is a quick and easy way. You just need to choose the file or folder you want to delete, press the Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut, and click Yes when a pop-up appears.
Select the item you want to delete. Press and hold the Shift key, then press the Delete key on your keyboard. Because you cannot undo this, you will be asked to confirm that you want to delete the file or folder.
When temporary files won't delete in Windows 10/11, try to manually delete them using these steps: Step 1: Press Win + R, enter %temp% to the text box of Run, and click OK.Step 2: In the Temp folder, press Ctrl + A to select all the files and folders, and press Delete.
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