When you delete a file on your Windows PC, Windows usually does all the heavy lifting.
In rare cases, however, users sometimes cant delete stubborn files with the usual methods.
Is there a file on your PC you cant erase with File Explorers standard deletion options?
If yes, you might be able to force delete that file with the methods in this guide.
Why Cant I Delete a Stubborn File?
Windows locks files when theyre in use by programs.
A file in a locked state cannot be deleted.
That file locking is the most common reason users cant delete files.
Or Windows might not have fully completed an unlock operation for a file.
There might be other potential reasons you cant delete a file.
The file youre trying to delete might be virus infected or corrupted in some way.
There might even be an issue with your hard drive or Recycle Bin.
However, such causes for undeletable files are rarer.
When standard deletion methods fail, entering a special command for deleting a read-only file might do the trick.
If the files title has spaces, youll also need to add inverted commas around the name.
The /a parameter deletes files with a wider variety of attributes.
Pressing theShift+Delkey combination will usually erase a file without it going into the Recycle Bin.
So, that keyboard shortcut might be worth a try when other deletion methods dont work.
Close any software windows (except File Explorer) on your taskbar.
So, you might be able to erase a stubborn file in safe mode with any regular deletion method.
you’ve got the option to select toboot into safe modefrom the Advanced Startup Options Menu.
SelectingStartup SettingsandRestartfrom there will bring up a menu that includes different safe mode option.
Pressing4will select theEnable Safe Modeoption.
When youre in safe mode, bring up the directory that contains the stubborn file.
Then go for the file to erase, and press Explorers trashcan (Delete) button.
Hopefully, that regular file deletion option will work in safe mode.
This is how it’s possible for you to delete stubborn files in Windows 11 with ForceDelete.
Youll notice the ForceDelete window has some additional options.
TheClose Processescheckbox terminates the background programs that were using the file when selected.
you’re free to keep those processes running and delete the file by unchecking that option.
ThePermanently Shred Files (Unrecoverable)checkbox is another interestingForceDelete option.
Selecting that setting permanently erases the file.
That option means the deleted file wont be recoverable for even thebest data recovery softwarewhen enabled.
you’re free to also select to force delete files from Explorers context menu.
Select theForce Deleteoption there to erase the file.
Alternatively, you might select anUnlock by ForceDeleteoption to unlock a locked file in use.
At least one of them will probably get rid of the stubborn file once and for all.
