Tutorial: How to Delete Unwanted Files or Folders in Windows

Facing the inability to delete a file or folder in Windows can be very frustrating, and most users have experienced it at some point. Whether it's the message that the file is in use, the folder can't be found, or simply seems impossible to delete, this problem affects our daily PC life.

In this article I bring you the definitive compendium of solutions and explanations to remove these stubborn files: from the simplest methods to the most technical and advanced, including the lesser-known reasons why some objects seem unmovable, no matter how hard you try. If you're faced with a stubborn file, an empty folder that won't delete, or an item that Windows can't even "find," here are all the answers and solutions to solve the problem.

Main reasons why you can't delete a file or folder in Windows

Before you begin, it is essential to understand Why Windows may prevent you from deleting files or foldersIdentifying the cause will allow you to choose the quickest and most effective solution for each situation.

• Files or folders in use: Most commonly, the file or folder is being used by some application.
• Background processes: Even if you close the main program, a linked process may continue to run.
• Insufficient permissions: If you don't have administrative rights or don't own the file, Windows will block you from deleting it.
• Files protected by the system: Windows protects certain files and folders that are critical to system operation, preventing them from being deleted.
• Name of the problematic file: Some files imported from other systems may have invalid or reserved names, making them difficult to manage.
• File system errors: Corruption or damage to the file system can make a file or folder impossible to delete.
• Virus, malware or malicious processes: Some infections lock files to prevent them from being deleted or modified.

Each of these circumstances has its own unique characteristics; below, we'll discuss the best way to address them.

Basic solutions to delete locked files and folders

In most cases, these initial steps usually resolve the issue without complications. If the problem persists, I'll show you more advanced solutions later.

Close all open applications It's the first sensible step. Background processes or minimized programs may be using the file without you noticing.

If you still can't delete the file, completely restart the PC. It is important to do this instead of just turning it off and on, especially if you have the “Quick start”, as this can keep processes in memory. This helps free up resources and shut down all running processes.

Try the permanent elimination method: select the file or folder and press Shift + DeleteThis method deletes the item without sending it to the Trash, which can resolve minor crashes.

Delete locked files using Task Manager

If the problem persists, the file is probably being used by some process. Windows may not clearly indicate which one, but Task Manager is your ally.

• Balance Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
• Look in the list for the process that might be using the file or folder. Typically, the Windows error indicates the program name.
• Right click on that process and choose Finish homework.
• Try deleting the file or folder again.

Sometimes explorer.exe itself can lock the folder. In order to solve it:

• From the Task Manager, locate the “Windows Explorer” process.
• Right click and select RestartThe desktop may flicker, but this is normal.
• Please try deleting the file or folder again.

If you have multiple Explorer windows open and the "Open folder windows in a separate process" option is enabled, this may hinder deletion. Disable it in the Explorer: View > Options > View > Advanced Settings.

Boot Windows into Safe Mode to remove stubborn files

El Safe Mode It's a special way of starting Windows by loading only essential drivers and services. This eliminates interference from third-party programs that may be blocking files.

• Accede to Configuration > Update and security > Recovery > Advanced start > Restart now.
• Choose Solve problems > Advanced > Startup configuration > Restart.
• When restarting, press F4 to enter Safe Mode.
• Find and delete the problematic file or folder.
• Reboot normally to exit safe mode.

This method is usually very effective, since in safe mode no processes are started that could lock files.

Delete files and folders from the command line (CMD)

If all of the above fails, the line of commands It may be your best optionUsing CMD allows you to force delete even files with incorrect permissions or files that don't appear in Explorer.

• Opens Symbol of the system as administrator (right-click Start or search for “cmd” and select “Run as administrator”).
• Navigate to the folder with cd route (for example: cd C:\Users\YourName\Desktop).
• To delete a file: from filename.ext (use quotes if there are spaces: from "my file.docx").
• To delete a folder and all its contents: rmdir /s /q foldername

Is the file name strange or contains unusual characters? Usa dir /x to see the short name in 8.3 format and be able to reference it for deletion.

Files without extension or with invalid characters can only be deleted using commands, for example: of the *-*.

Repair file system errors to be able to remove

If the file system is corrupted, you won't be able to delete files or folders, regardless of permissions. To fix this:

• Opens Symbol of the system as administrator.
• Introduces: chkdsk C: / f / r / x (change the letter if necessary).
• Restart your computer if prompted.

This process detects and corrects errors on the disk that may prevent file deletion.

Additional solutions for specific errors: “This item could not be found”

The message “This item could not be found” This error can appear even if the file or folder is visible. This is usually related to unsupported file names or extensions, or files coming from other sources. OS.

• Use CMD and type the name in quotes: For example, from the "strange name" o rmdir "strange folder".
• Rename from CMD ren to a simple name, without spaces or symbols, and then delete it.
• If it does not have an extension, test of the *-* or other combinations.
• Refresh the view by clicking F5 or restarting, so that the system updates the content view.
• Create a folder, move the conflicting files there, and delete the entire folder.
• Usa WinRAR to compress them and activate the “Delete files after compression” option, thus deleting the original.

Third-party programs and tools to delete impossible files

There are several applications designed to unlock files and delete items that Windows doesn't allowSome of the most recommended and safest are:

• Unlocker: Very simple; it unlocks files or folders with a right-click and allows you to delete or free them. Although it doesn't receive recent updates, it's still effective in Windows 10 and 11.
• LockHunter: Detects which process is locking the file and offers options to delete, move, or rename it. It integrates with Explorer and can delete files upon restart.
• PowerToys File Locksmith: Included in PowerToys, identifies and terminates processes that use locked files.
• Process Explorer: Microsoft's advanced tool to detect which process or DLL is using a file and unblock it.
• winrar: In addition to compressing, it allows you to delete conflicting files if you activate the “Delete after compressing” option.

Important: Download these programs only from official sites to avoid malware or altered versions.

Advanced Solutions: When All Else Fails

If none of the above solutions work, you may be facing deeper system issues, malware infections, operating system crashes, or severely corrupted files. In these cases, you can try:

Restore to a previous point with the System Restore feature

Windows allows you to revert your settings to a previous state, which is useful if the problem is recent. Search "Recovery" in the search bar, select "Open System Restore," choose a previous point, and follow the instructions. This won't affect your personal files, just settings and programs.

Scan for viruses and malware

Some infections can deliberately lock files. Perform a full scan with your antivirus (Windows Defender, Avast, Malwarebytes…) from the virus and threat protection section. If you suspect Trojans, use specialized tools such as TestDisk and PhotoRec.

Delete locked files from an external system (Linux or Windows PE)

The most effective and definitive method in extreme cases is to access your disk from another operating system:

• Boot into Linux from a Live USB and delete the rogue folder directly from that system. If you have any questions about how to do this, you can consult How to delete temporary files in Windows 11.
• Use a Windows PE system (like Hiren's BootCD): Loads the image onto a USB and deletes files without restrictions except for those of the operating system itself.

Caution: Don't delete system files if you're not sure, to avoid rendering Windows inoperable.

Other factors to consider

Some external situations may lock files, especially when using external drives on different operating systems or devices (Smart TV, consoles, Linux).

Avoid using disks on systems not compatible with NTFS to reduce the risk of corruption and crashes. For frequent data transfers between platforms, it is best to use storage on the cloud.

What to do if you delete an important file by mistake?

Sometimes, in an attempt to delete problematic files, we accidentally delete other important files. There are recovery programs as , How to remove junk files from your PC o Remove orphaned devices and drivers in Windows that allow you to recover deleted files as long as they haven't been overwritten. Follow the instructions to search, preview, and restore your lost files.