How to Force Delete a File or Folder in Windows 10

For the most part, deleting files or folders in Windows is a fairly simple task. However, sometimes Windows may prevent you from deleting the file or folder because it is currently in use or because the file or folder does not have ownership rights. In such cases, although you do your best, you will not be allowed to delete these files or folders as they will be in a locked state.

Well, if you can’t find any specific reason behind it and you are ready to remove that file/folder from your system, here are the best ways to force delete a file or folder in Windows 10.

1. Use Administrator Account

If you want to access, change or delete a file and folder in Windows, you will need the permission of the administrator. So, to force delete that file or folder from your PC, you need to log in to your Windows with an administrator account.

2. Close File In Use

In Windows 10, if a program is currently using the file or folder you are trying to delete, you will get a ‘File In Use’ error. To remove this error, close the program in question using the Task Manager. Also, if it is a background process that is preventing the file or folder from being removed, you can use the built-in Windows Task Manager to stop this process. Here’s how.

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. There, find the process or program that is using the file. Right-click on it and select End task to close the program.

Once closed, go ahead and see if you can delete the file or folder.

3. Use Command Prompt

If you’re comfortable, you can also use command prompt to force delete files or folders on your PC. Here’s how.

Stage 1: Open File Explorer and retrieve the undeleted file or folder. To copy the location of the file/folder select it and click Copy path at the top.

Step 2: Now open the Start menu, type cmd and click on Run as administrator on your right to open it with administrator rights.

Stage 3: Enter the following command in the Command Prompt window and press Enter to delete a file or folder.

del 

Replace in the above command with the path of the file or folder copied in step 1.

Remember, using the del command will completely remove that file or folder. Therefore, you will not find a recoverable copy of the same in the Recycle Bin.

4. Change File Ownership

If you’re trying to delete a file or folder that another user created and owns, you might have a hard time deleting that file or folder. So, to delete or change it, you must first take ownership of that file/folder. Read on to learn how to transfer ownership of a file.

Stage 1: Right-click the file or folder and select Properties.

Step 2: In the Properties windows, switch to the Security tab and click on Advanced.

Stage 3: In the window below, you will find the owner’s name at the top. Click the Change button next to it.

Step 4: In the Select User or Group window, enter your username in the white box and click OK.

Close all windows and try to see if you can delete the file or folder now.

5. Use Safe Mode

If the methods mentioned above fail, your last option is to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10. Using Safe Mode will restrict all third-party programs from blocking the deletion process and will help to delete the file easily. Here’s how to enter Safe Mode in Windows 10.

Stage 1: Press Windows key + I to open settings. Then select Update & Security.

Step 2: Go to the Recovery section on your left and then click the ‘Reboot now’ button under ‘Advanced startup’ on your right.

Stage 3: Then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. Then click the Restart button.

Step 4: After your computer restarts and the Startup Settings menu appears, press the corresponding key (4, 5 or 6) to enter Safe Mode by selecting any version of Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, go ahead and see if you can delete that file or folder.

Find the Power

Using the above methods will definitely help you force delete any stubborn files or folders in Windows 10. Similarly, you can force delete temporary files in Windows to free up valuable storage space on your PC.