How to Force Delete Locked Files and Folders in Windows 11

Welcome to our guide on how to force delete locked files and folders in Windows 11! Are you tired of receiving error messages when trying to delete files or folders that are in use by another app or process? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will walk you through different methods to successfully delete stubborn files and folders in Windows 11. Let’s dive in!

Taking Ownership of the File/Folder

A very useful command that has been around since Windows 7 is the “takeown” command. By taking ownership of a file or folder, you can gain the necessary permissions to delete it. Here’s how:

  1. First, right-click on the file or folder that is refusing to delete and select “Copy as Path” from the context menu.
  2. Next, click on the search icon on the taskbar and type “Command Prompt”. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and choose “Run as administrator”.
  3. In the command prompt, paste the following command: takeown /F [file-name-with-path] (replace [file-name-with-path] with the path you copied).
  4. If you want to delete an entire folder, use the same steps as above to copy the folder’s full path, and then use the following command: takeown /F [folder-name-with-path] /R /DY (replace [folder-name-with-path] with the actual folder path you copied).

Once you have successfully taken ownership of the file or folder, try deleting it again. If it still doesn’t work, let’s move on to the next method.

Via Process Explorer

Sometimes, the reason you can’t delete a file or folder is that other processes have handles to it. In such cases, you can use Process Explorer to identify and close those handles. Follow these steps:

  1. Download Process Explorer from the official Microsoft Store.
  2. Extract the downloaded zip file and run the “procexp64” executable.
  3. In the Process Explorer window, click on the “File” tab and select “Show details for all processes”.
  4. Click on the “Find” tab and choose “Find Handle or DLL”.
  5. Type the name of the file or folder you want to delete in the search bar and click the “Search” button.
  6. Right-click on the highlighted entry and select “Close Handle”. Confirm the action when prompted.

Now try deleting the file or folder again. If you’re still facing issues, let’s move on to the final method.

Booting in Safe Mode

If all else fails, you can try deleting the locked files or folders by booting your computer in Safe Mode. Here’s how:

  1. Click on the Windows icon in the taskbar and then click on the Power icon.
  2. While holding down the SHIFT key, click on the “Restart” option.
  3. Your computer will restart, and you will see a blue screen. Click on the “Troubleshoot” option.
  4. In the “Advanced Options” window, click on “Startup Settings”.
  5. Click on the “Restart” button at the bottom right corner.
  6. Press the number key 4 on your keyboard to start your machine in Safe Mode.

Once your computer boots up in Safe Mode, try deleting the files or folders again and see if it works.

Questions People Might Have

  • Q: How can I take ownership of a file in Windows 11?
  • A: To take ownership of a file, right-click on it, select “Properties”, go to the “Security” tab, click on “Advanced”, and then click on “Change” next to the owner’s name. Select your username from the list and click “OK”.

  • Q: Can I force delete a file without using the command prompt?
  • A: Yes, you can try using third-party file unlocker tools like Unlocker or IObit Unlocker to force delete locked files or folders in Windows 11.

More Interesting Info

Did you know that Windows 11 introduced several new features and improvements to enhance user experience and security? From a redesigned Start menu to better virtual desktop support, there’s a lot to explore in Windows 11. Stay up-to-date with the latest tech updates and make the most out of your Windows 11 experience!

In conclusion, forcefully deleting locked files and folders in Windows 11 can be done by taking ownership, using Process Explorer, or booting in Safe Mode. These methods should help you overcome any stubborn files or folders that are preventing deletion. Remember to always exercise caution when deleting files to avoid accidental deletion of important data. Happy deleting!

And there you have it! Now you’re equipped with the knowledge and techniques to successfully delete locked files and folders in Windows 11. Don’t let those stubborn files hold you back, take control and free up your storage space. Happy computing!

James Hogan
James Hogan
James Hogan is a notable content writer recognized for his contributions to Bollyinside, where he excels in crafting informative comparison-based articles on topics like laptops, phones, and software. When he's not writing, James enjoys immersing himself in football matches and exploring the digital realm. His curiosity about the ever-evolving tech landscape drives his continuous quest for knowledge, ensuring his content remains fresh and relevant.

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