How to Force Delete a File on Windows 11/10/8/7? [Solutions for Unable to Delete File]

Quick Fix - You can use Shift + Delete to permanently delete files or folders.  If you still can't delete a file in Windows 11/10, check out the four methods in this article to learn how to force delete an undeletable file on your Windows 11/10 PC.

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Why Can't I Delete Files/Folders in Windows 11/10/8/7?

Sometimes, you may come across a situation where you are unable to delete a folder. To resolve this issue, it's essential to understand the reasons behind it. Frequently, the main cause is that the file is in use or locked. Otherwise, a virus could be a factor to consider.

This is most likely because another program is currently using the file. This can happen even if you don't see any programs running. When a file is opened by another application or process, Windows 11/10 puts the file in a locked state, preventing you from deleting, modifying, or moving it elsewhere. Normally, the app unlocks the file automatically once it's no longer in use, but this isn't always the case. Sometimes, a file may remain locked, and you'll get an error message saying that the action can't be completed because the file is open in another program, even if you try anything.

Before attempting to delete undeletable files, try these simpler methods to remove them:

• Close all programs.
• Restart your computer.
• Run an antivirus scan on your computer to check for and remove any viruses.

If the files still exist, the following methods should help.

Method 1: Force Remove Unremovable Files with Third-Party Tools When Windows is unable to delete a file, you can try using a specialized file deletion software like BitWiper. Here's how to use BitWiper to force delete a file: 1. **Download and Install BitWiper**: Visit the official BitWiper website or a reputable download platform to get the latest version of the software. Be cautious during the download process to avoid any potential malware. 2. **Run BitWiper**: After installation, double-click the desktop shortcut to open the BitWiper application. 3. **Select the File to Delete**: In BitWiper's main interface, navigate to the folder containing the file you want to delete. You can use the browse button or directly input the file path in the address bar. 4. **Force Delete the File**: Check the box next to the file you wish to delete, then click on "Force Delete" or "Permanently Delete." The software will begin the deletion process, which might take some time, especially for large files. 5. **Confirm Deletion**: BitWiper may prompt you to confirm the permanent deletion, as this action cannot be undone. If you're sure, proceed with the prompts. 6. **Restart Your Computer**: After deletion, your system might require a restart to complete the removal thoroughly. If the file still exists, try restarting your computer and checking again. Please note that using such tools to forcefully delete files can lead to permanent data loss, so exercise caution before proceeding. If the file is unremovable due to permission issues or a virus, you may need to address these problems first before attempting deletion.

There are many third-party applications that can help you with this issue and delete locked files. One tool that might be useful for you is the BitWiper tool. It aids in cleaning junk files and erasing all data securely. It is fully compatible with operating systems like Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and more.

Download this software for free and start deleting those files that won't delete now.

Step 1. Launch the BitWiper tool and click on “File Shredder”.

Select File Shredder

Click “Add File” to select the files you need shredded, or you can drag the files, documents, images, music files, etc., into the center area.

Step 3. Select the files you want to wipe and click “Wipe” to confirm.

Step 4: The program will immediately delete all selected files. When finished, click “Done.”

It's worth noting that unlocking and deleting files in Windows 11/10 could lead to system and program issues, depending on the type of file you're attempting to unlock. Therefore, exercise caution when deleting files if you're unsure about the repercussions.

Method 2: How to Delete an Undeletable File from Task Manager

Normally, you can't delete a file if it's in use by the system. When you can't delete a file, you might see a message like the one shown in the screenshot, indicating that the file can't be deleted because it's open in an app.

Figure 1: Can't delete file - 1

To force Windows 11/10 to delete a file, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Click on "Start," type Task Manager, and select "Task Manager" to open it.

Step 2: Identify the app using the file, and select End task.

Step 3. Try deleting the file again on your Windows PC.

Method 3: How to Delete Undeletable Files from the Command Prompt

How do I delete a file that won't delete? Sometimes, deleting a file from the Command Prompt is more effective, and you should definitely try it. Here's how to delete a specific file or folder using the Command Prompt:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt, or search for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu, then click "Run as administrator."

Step 2: Type in the command prompt del followed by the location of the file or folder you want to delete, then hit "Enter" (del C:\Users\JohnDoe\Desktop\text.txt).

Read more: [Disk Partition] How to Force Delete Partition with Diskpart

Method 3: Fix the "File Cannot Be Deleted" Error by Booting in Safe Mode

Usually, you can unlock a file by restarting your device. If that doesn't work, you can enter Safe Mode to unlock and delete the file.

Step 1: Open Settings > click on Update & Security > click on Recovery > under Advanced startup, click the Restart now button.

Step 2: Click on "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings".

Step 3: Click the "Restart" button.

Step 4: Press F4 to enable Safe Mode.

Click on Troubleshoot, then choose the following setting:

In Safe Mode, use File Explorer to locate and delete the file that was previously locked. Restart your device normally to exit Safe Mode.

Video Guide - How to Fix the Issue of Not Being Able to Delete Files or Folders in Windows 11

Can't delete a file because it's open in a system process? This tutorial by Britec09 shows you how to force-delete files and folders using Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Unlocker. Check it out to learn how to delete a file that's open in a system process.

• Using CMD - 1:06
• Running PowerShell - 4:34
• Unlocking the Software - 5:31

If ya think the suggested solutions can forcefully delete files on Windows, go ahead and share it with your buddies to help 'em out!

Additional Tip: How to Recover Deleted Files or Folders

Accidentally deleted some important files on your Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, or 7 computer? We've also got you covered. You can use an easy-to-use data recovery software to retrieve your deleted files. I recommend using the Data Recovery Wizard tool. It's an excellent file recovery software that allows you to:

• Recovers data from internal and external hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, SD cards, and more.
• Retrieve lost videos, photos, Word documents, music, and more.
• Repair damaged photos and even fix MP4 files.
• Download and install the Data Recovery Wizard tool on your computer, then follow the steps below to restore deleted files.

Step 1: Select the scan location

Select the specific device or drive from where you had permanently deleted files using Shift + Delete or Empty Trash. Click on the “Scan” button to retrieve lost files.

Step 2: Check the results

The software will automatically start scanning everything on the selected drive. Once the scan is complete, select the "Deleted Files" and "Other Lost Files" folders in the left panel. Then, use the "Filter" feature or click on the "Search for a file or folder" button to quickly locate your deleted files.

Step 3: Recover the deleted file(s)

Select the deleted files you want to restore, and click “Preview.” Then, hit “Restore” to save them to another secure location or device.

Select the files and click on “Recover”

How to delete a file that won't delete? - Frequently Asked Questions

Hopefully, the methods above have been helpful in showing you how to delete undeletable files in Windows 11/10. If you still have issues, feel free to refer to the FAQ section below.

How do I force delete an undeletable file?

1. First, press the Windows key to open the Start menu, type "run," and then hit Enter. 2. In the Run dialog box that appears, type `cmd`, and then press Enter. 3. In the Command Prompt window, type `del /f filename`, where `filename` represents the name of the file or files you want to delete (separate multiple filenames with commas).

How do I force delete a folder?

How to Force Delete a Folder: You can use the Shift + Delete shortcut to permanently delete files or folders. Aside from this method, you can also use Command Prompt, Safe Mode, or third-party file shredder software to force a deletion.

Can't delete a file that's open in the system?

Resolving the "File in Use" Error:

• Close the program. Let's start with the obvious.
• Restart your computer.
• End the application via Task Manager.
• Modify Explorer process settings.
• Disable the File Explorer Preview Pane.
• Force-delete a file using Command Prompt.

How do I end a DLL process?

4. In the Start menu, locate the "Search" button. You should see "All files and folders." 5. Type in the name of the DLL file you want to stop running in the search box. 6. Find the DLL file and make a note of its full path.

Can I delete Aow_drv?

No, you cannot delete aow_drv no matter how hard you try. It is a log file and cannot be deleted.

Conclusion

This article provides you with four effective solutions. Most users reported that their issue was resolved after trying Method 1, which is my top pick. If you have any other fixes for this problem and would like to share them with us, please do so – our readers will be glad to give them a read.