How to Force Delete a File or Folder in Windows

Get rid of them for good

Trying to delete a stubborn file or folder from your Windows PC can be frustrating. For example, you could be pressing delete and thinking the file or folder is gone, only to find it in the exact location you removed it from.

There are several reasons why you can’t delete a file or folder, including:

This guide explains how to force delete a file or folder in Windows 10 and get rid of it for good.

How to Force Delete a File or Folder in Windows

You can force delete a file or folder in Windows via Command Prompt, Safe Mode, using a keyboard shortcut, or using a third-party app. Before trying any of these methods, here are a few basic steps to help you get around the issue:

If the above basic steps didn’t help resolve the issue, use the methods below to force delete a file or folder in Windows.

Force Delete a File or Folder in Windows Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt in Windows PCs can perform advanced administrative functions, automate tasks via batch files and scripts, and troubleshoot issues in Windows.

Alternatively, type the command asdel /F c:\users\thispc\desktop\filenameto force delete the file if it is read-only. In this case, you’ll enterdelplus your the/F parameter, thefile’s location,and thefilename, which would look something like this:del /F c:\admin\thispc\desktop\deletethis.

Note: If you use del to delete a file in Windows, you can’t retrieve the file later.

If the folder has a file in it, you can use the steps above to force delete the file and then use Command Prompt to delete the folder. This process can be tedious and time-consuming if you have many nested files and folders, but here’s how to do it quickly.

Note: Any folder you delete using thermdircommand cannot be retrieved.

Delete a File or Folder in Windows Using Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a diagnostics mode that starts Windows in a basic state with a limited set of drivers and files. You can delete files or folders in Safe Mode, which you’d otherwise not be able to delete before.

Enter Safe Mode, find the file or folder you want to delete, and then reboot your PC to exit Safe Mode.

Use a Third-Party Program to Force Delete a File or Folder in Windows

If you still cannot force delete a file or folder after trying the steps above, you can use a third-party program to simplify the deletion of the files and folders.

Unlockeris one of the best file or folder deletion programs that allows you to regain control over your data by unlocking files and killing unresponsive processes.

The app can kill processes, unload DLLs, unlock, delete, rename or move locked files without restarting your computer and deleting index.dat files. However, Unlocker can kill important processes and delete critical files from Windows, so you need to be cautious when using the app.

Other similar tools that you can use includeFile AssassinandLong Path Tool.

Remove Stubborn Files and Folders from Your PC

Trying to remove undeletable files and folders from your computer can be stressful. However, with the solutions here, you should get around this problem and delete the files or folders for good.

Let us know what worked for you by leaving a comment in the section below.

Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio

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How to Force Delete a File or Folder in Windows#

How to Force Delete a File or Folder in Windows#

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Use a Third-Party Program to Force Delete a File or Folder in Windows#

Remove Stubborn Files and Folders from Your PC#