
Unlocker is a free program that will unlock locked files on PC to move, delete and rename them. The system Windows may send error messages telling you that content is already in use when you try to edit a document or folder, which is known as a sharing violation.
The Windows operating system will not allow you to delete, name, or transfer media unless you have an application that overrides those prompts. Unlocker allows you to kill processes that are blocked by Microsoft from editing files.
Unlocker allows you to force delete, move and rename locked files on your Microsoft Windows PC when error messages appear.
This program is lightweight, and is presented by Cedrick collomb on their official site Empty Loop. It is developed for the OS Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP 32 and 64 bits.
What is Unlocker
Unlocker is without a doubt the most popular locked file removal utility and has been for several years. In addition to helping remove files with permissions or file protection issues, it also attempts to remove process IDs that may have a lock on a file, rendering it unremovable.
Or alternatively, it gives you the opportunity to kill the process identified as the cause of the crash which hopefully allows for removal.
The installation will give you a handy right-click context menu entry, where you can simply right-click on a file or folder and select Unlocker from the menu.
Depending on whether there are locking handles on the file will determine whether you get the simple kill help dialog above or the main window that displays the processes causing a problem, giving you the option to unlock the handles on the file or kill the process. This causes the locking to occur entirely.
The program comes in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Something you should be aware of is the adware options that should be disabled during installation.
What Unlocker can be used for
The configuration process of Unlocker provides easy-to-follow on-screen instructions. You will need to accept the license agreement before you can begin using the program.
You can choose an installation location by opening the built-in browser to choose your preferred destination file folder. The installer offers automatic updates and a right-click browser extension that you can select or deselect before clicking “Install.”
The software is very easy to use, with a simple interface. The design resembles a basic browser that allows you to search for files and folders. While the user experience is not intuitive, the service is effective.
You can browse through the user interface to find the file or folder you want to change. Folders will automatically expand to show all hidden contents when you click on them.
Choose a specific selection or the entire list by clicking in the middle and then clicking “OK”. A standard window appears to allow you to choose an action to perform.
The top of the pop-up screen will tell you that a lock handle was not found. You can tap the drop-down menu in the bottom left corner to view the commands.
The “Move” and “Rename” options allow you to unlock protected files to change their location or name. Unlocker is commonly used to delete files: “Delete".
If you decide you do not want to run a function, you can select “No Action,” “Exit,” or the “X” in the upper right corner.
Weather required for execution, it will vary depending on the size of the files. A loading bar will appear to show the progress percentage and there will be a “Success” notification when the procedure is complete.
The powerful application will alter the problematic files. If you have deleted content that you want to recover, you can check the recycle bin and recover them.
The developer does not update the program on a regular basis. But you have the option to activate the automatic update feature to receive the latest software update automatically.
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Unlocker Features
- Remove locked files in just 2 clicks.
- Available in the context menu.
- Small in size, it takes up little space and consumes few resources.
- Unlocker is considered the best software of its kind, and rightly so: it is lightweight, easy to use, and very effective.
- In addition to unlocking files, you will be able to keep your computer running smoothly and free from potential errors and crashes, which can happen quite often.
- In such cases, you can remove the processes that are causing this problem.
- It allows you to unload DLL files, delete index.dat files and manipulate locked files.
Not only can you unlock protected files, but there is a handy tool to move and manage them on your operating system. You can also force close and delete files if you so choose.
If you need to unload DLL files, you can do so without rebooting your system.
Unfortunately, Unlocker It has some bugs and these problems can usually be resolved by restarting or reinstalling the program. However, it is an excellent tool as there are few unlocking programs that give you this kind of quality completely free of charge.
Advantages
- It is very easy to use.
- Is free.
- Completely safe for your machine.
- Very versatile, you have it available in the context menu.
- You can delete a locked file, or alternatively, delete the process that is locking it.
Disadvantages
- Some antiviruses classify it as malware.
- Not updated regularly.
- Sometimes it stops working. You have to uninstall and reinstall again to get it working.
Plans and prices
Unlocker It is completely free and available on their official website: Empty Loop.
It does not offer any type of payment plan.
How and where to download Unlocker
Unlocker is a powerful and useful tool for the intermediate or advanced computer user. If you have ever encountered a file that Windows was unable to delete normally, because it was supposedly “in use,” this tool allows you to see exactly what program is using the file and then remove the lock, allowing you to delete it.
Install Unlocker It is easy, but you should be careful as the Unlocker installer includes several other programs that may not be so useful. It is up to you whether you install these additional components, we recommend avoiding them.
- The first step is to download the installer for the latest version of Unlocker for your system. You can get the latest version from its official download site: Empty Loop.
- You will need to scroll down and then use the appropriate download link for either the 32-bit or 64-bit versions of the software, depending on the version of Windows you are running.
- Once the file has downloaded, double-click it or choose “Open” in the administrator of downloads from your browser to begin the installation process.
- In the next step, Windows User Account Control asks you for permission to install the program. Click “Si".
- Choose your preferred language for installation, English is selected by default, and then click “Accept".
- In the next window, accept the “License agreement".
- You will then be able to choose where on your computer to install Unlocker. The default directory is fine for most users, so just click “Next«.
- The installer of Unlocker will offer you to download and install an Ask Toolbar or a Crawler Toolbar. These toolbars can add additional search functionality to your browser. Web navigator, but they often just clutter up the browsing experience without any real benefit. Deselect the “Install Tracker Toolbar” and click on “Next".
- In the next window, we need to choose which components to install. We recommend that you choose the first three options. The remaining three options are optional components that install another toolbar or shopping shortcut. We recommend that you deselect them before clicking “Install".
- Once the installation is complete, click “Finalize".
You have now installed Unlocker on your PC and can start using it.
Opinions of users who have used Unlocker
Let's take a look at some reviews from users who have downloaded and tested Unlocker.
- Rjsl55362:
“I have been using Unlocker for years and it has been one of the best out there. I would definitely recommend it to anyone for a headache-free software.
The only thing is that it needs to be updated because recently it has not responded correctly to some files or programs.”
- Gimpguy:
“I'm getting lazy in my old age, I usually find my own means to unlock files or folders and delete them the same way, but I have to admit this is much faster, works well.
It needs a delete option to recycle bin for errors, though, if you know what you are unlocking, you should also know the risks. Either way, it works, it's free, it's nice.”
- CenteredHeart:
“Without it, I would be lost. It removes stubborn files quickly and efficiently. It has boot-time deletion for those files locked by running programs.”
- Acacius:
“I have used Unlocker for quite some time now, but I now realize that it can be quite dangerous if used routinely without being very careful. Unlocker will move and delete locked files/folders most of the time when you select the problematic items, choose 'move' or 'delete' and press 'unlock all'.
However, it is very easy to delete files by mistake and leave them unrecoverable. Unlike the 'move' option, which simply moves the locked file where you want it to go, the 'delete' option does not move the files you want to delete to the recycle bin.
Instead, they are permanently deleted without any warning. I probably mistakenly clicked on a folder instead of the empty locked subfolder I wanted to delete, but I ended up sending all the files in the folder out into the ether, something I didn’t intend. Not realizing I was about to delete 40 files, they were simply gone forever.
Unlocker Alternatives. Top 5 of this year
Let's look at some programs similar to Unlocker, with which you can compare and decide better.
1.LockHunter
lockhunter is created by Crystal Rich, the same people behind the magnificent utility USB Safely RemoveIt is easy to use and shows you which processes are locking the files or folders you want to delete and gives you the options to simply unblock and also rename or copy them as well.
lockhunter It also has a backup in case you make a mistake by sending deleted files to the Recycle Bin for easy recovery.
The program must be installed and can be accessed via the context menu, which will display an entry for “What is blocking this file?” or “What is blocking this folder?” depending on what is selected.
Processes with a lock will be displayed in the window and you can select Unlock or Delete it. Rename and Copy Other options are available. LockHunter is fully stable, and there are 32-bit and 64-bit versions available. It works on Windows 2000 and above.
2.IObit Unlocker
IObit is the developer behind popular tools like Advanced SystemCare o Smart Defrag. IObit Unlocker is another of its easy-to-use applications.
The program can simply unlock files or folders for manual file management, or unlock and delete, rename, move or copy automatically.
There is also a Forced mode checkbox option that will terminate all related processes if standard mode fails.
IObit Unlocker requires installation and you should be aware of the toolbar and other adware offered during installation. The program works best through the right-click context menu, where you simply select your files or folders and choose the IObit Unlocker entry.
Whatever you've chosen will be displayed in the top window, and clicking on anything with a Locked status will show the processes with a padlock underneath. To delete a file, simply choose the Unlock and Delete option from the middle drop-down button.
3. File Governor
File Governor It works quite similarly to Unlocker, as you can attempt to forcefully delete a file and unlock any handles attached to it, including DLL file handles.
If unblocking the handles doesn't work, you can end the process causing the problem as long as it is not a critical system process, so some knowledge of which processes are safe to kill and which are not is required when using these tools.
File Governor It comes as either a portable or setup version and the useful thing is that the portable version still gives you the option to include a right-click entry in the Windows context menu.
Use that right-click option or open the program and use “Scan for locked files” to have the program scan the file. Any process with a lock on the file will be displayed in the window, where you can choose to Unlock the handles or terminate, delete, copy, move the process.
The Tools menu offers the option to search for and Force Delete, Delete on Restart, or Rename a single file. File Governor works on Windows XP and above.
4. Kaspersky WindowsUnlocker
Kaspersky WindowsUnlocker, is a free utility that is part of the suite Kaspersky Rescue Disk. It is a specialized software intended to scan and cure infected PCs.
The main advantage of Kaspersky Rescue Disk, Y de WindowsUnlocker In particular, it can operate independently of the operating system, dealing with malware that typically disrupts operating system processes.
One thing: with your computer locked, you will need to use another PC to download Kaspersky Rescue Disk and create a unit of Boot with the.
Kaspersky Rescue Disk can be helpful in many situations, but it is not a permanent means of protection. To help you keep ransomware, viruses, and other types of ransomware at bay, we recommend that you install software that can automatically scan your systems.
5. EMCO UnLock IT
EMCO UnLock IT detects different types of locks that can make it impossible to manage resources on your PC. If a resource is locked by running processes and services, the program detects open files and library handles that are blocking the resource and the processes that are holding the locks.
The resource can be unlocked by closing the handles and/or terminating the processes holding the locks, when closing the handles does not help unlock the resource.
The same unlocking procedure is used to delete a locked file or folder. The program attempts to unlock it first and schedules deletion at next startup if the resource cannot be unlocked.
If the problem is due to insufficient permissions, the program grants the necessary permissions. This program tries to resolve the blockage in any way possible.
FAQs
Let's look at some frequently asked questions about Unlocker.
Is Unlocker a virus?
Unlocker does not contain malware. The application is safe to download and install on your PC. The reliable utility is available as a portable free download and installer.
Although the installer version promotes adware during the setup process, you can deselect the offer in the process. Our recommendation is that when you install Unlocker, do not install this adware as it does not really bring you anything.
Should I download Unlocker?
Yes, if you have locked files on your computer. Unlocker is a great tool to have if you ever need it. We highly recommend it, especially for its high functionality and being free.
Unlocker stopped working, what can I do?
Many users report that Unlocker sometimes crashes and stops working. This is a bug that the developer has been slow to fix. However, it is very easy to fix. Just uninstall Unlocker, reboot your machine, and reinstall Unlocker.
What is Unlocker Assistant?
Unlocker Assistant It stays in the system tray bar and automatically launches Unlocker if you are trying to delete, rename, or move a file that is locked.
For those who use Unlocker Assistant, you no longer need to right-click on files or folders. This feature can be disabled during installation.
Conclusion
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Unlocker is a simple and lightweight tool that will help you unlock and delete files and stop processes that can cause your computer to freeze.
Unlocker It is one of those must-have items for all Windows customers.
Despite its somewhat understandable compatibility issues with current variations of Windows, Unlocker It remains, to this day, capable of improving your customer's overall experience by allowing them to regain control over their files or any type of suspension process that prevents that from happening.
My name is Javier Chirinos and I am passionate about technology. Ever since I can remember, I have been interested in computers and video games, and that passion has turned into a job.
I have been publishing about technology and gadgets on the Internet for over 15 years, especially in mundobytes.com
I am also an expert in online marketing and communication and have knowledge in WordPress development.