How to Delete a Locked File or Folder on Windows 10?

Windows users are dealing with numbers of data each day and keep storing several files and folders on the system disk. After a limited time, the storage disks get crowded and cause issues and flash notifications that your disc is running out of storage. In this case, users try to remove unwanted files and data from the device, but they encounter failed attempts to get rid of these unnecessary files. There are two reasons why these files and folders can’t be removed:

1. They might be locked or encrypted by a secured passcode.
2. The file is launched on the system already.

Users try to remove these annoying files, but they end with the frustrating prompt box saying that the action is not permitted as a result of locked files. Sometimes, users face several issues while launching the file on an application and fail to expand the same resulting in the error message, such as an inability to open files.

In case you are also frustrated with these annoying messages and wishes to remove unnecessary files that cluttered your disk space, then you need to follow this article to know other processes of removing these annoying files:

Using Command Prompt to Remove Files and Folders from PC

Windows Command Prompt can help you to remove a locked file. To apply this procedure, pursue the complete guidelines listed below:

• First and foremost, launch the Command Prompt by tapping the Window and R button to launch the Run Dialogue box, followed by entering “cmd” into the search panel.

Note: It is recommended to launch the Command Window with full admin controls.

• Once the Command Prompt window appears on the screen,  then you have to enter “CD” to launch the root folder.
• After that, input “DEL_filename” (with extension /F/Q) where the filename displays the name of the locked file and the same you wish to delete.
• Now, hit the Enter key to proceed, and you see that the file has been removed successfully.

Note: Some encrypted files are very rigidly managed and are not easy to delete. For those stubborn files, you might need to use the method of Windows Recovery that is mentioned below to resolve the issue.

Removing Files and Folders via Windows Recovery Tool

You may use this method to locate and delete the file that you wish.

• First of all, turn the device off and then insert the re-installation disk of Windows into your disk drive section.
• Then, switch on the device once again and let it for the booting process (from the disc section.)
• Now, let the device enter recovery console mode by hitting the “R” tab from the keyboard. It’s one of the troubleshooting features built into the Windows device.
• Once your device enters into recovery mode, you need to navigate the locked file’s location via the Command Prompt. For instance, a path such as:

“cdC: Documents/Settings/My_Documents/.”Filename.”

• The same procedure should be followed while trying to delete the locked file.
• Once you have successfully located the file, then hit the “Del” key and then let the system process into the recovery mode.
• After that, enter the path “exit” and then reboot the device to make changes to the system disc.

Removing Locked File and Folder by Installing BitRaser

In case you are facing trouble while removing unnecessary files from the device using traditional methods, then you should try a more professional way for the same.  You have to use dedicated file eraser software like “BitRaser” with a number of features and advantages such as permanently erasing data beyond the limit of data recovery.

• You have to use this tool securely to erase all the data from a particular folder or file running on OS servers. This tool will also safeguard the various software requirements for the entire system as well as media sanitization needs.
• Using this method is very straightforward, and to do so, you need to install the file with the extension “.EXE” and then choose the relevant items that you wish to remove from the device.

Removing Files and Folders by Using the Dedicated Software Uninstallers

You can easily download and install various software for the deletion of your encrypted files and folders from your system. To know more, follow these methods:

Using Process Explorer

It’s one of the renowned applications known as Process Explorer that works the same as Windows Task Manager.

The whole process is very straightforward and precise, and it doesn’t require any installation. You have to allow admin permissions to perform the process of removal with ease. Now, follow these guidelines carefully:

• Navigate to the File menu and then hit the menu tab there.
• After that, select the show details option for the entire process.
• While you are on the menu tab, choose the Find option and then press the option “FileHandle or DLL.”
• Next, type the name of your locked folder into the search field of the particular process explorer task manager.
• Then, select the desired locked or encrypted file and then check out the handles from the details section located below the window.
• Now, perform a right tap on the filehandle just like a regular task manager and then hit the close handle tab.
• You have stopped the file or folder from running in the background. If the file is restricted from delete, then move to the file location section and remove it.

Using ThisIsMyFile Tool

It’s free software that helps you remove annoying or unnecessary files and folders that are being encrypted.

• This tool has a unique quality that it detects and diagnoses the problem and then informs you why the file is not operable on your screen. It also doesn’t require any further installations and swiftly removes your desired files from the device or system disc with ease.
• After every delete, you are requested to reboot the device so that the system accepts the modifications that you have made to the device.

Conclusion

Windows PC provides much storage capacity to the users. Still, after a time, the storage section gets completely messy, and thus the device flashes errors and requests to remove several unnecessary data, files, and folders from the device.

Some of these files are stubborn. They are encrypted by a strong passcode or running into the background. Users repeatedly try to remove such items from the system’s storage sections, but they fail in regular attempts. They can use various troubleshooting tools and procedures to remove their files from the device. They can use Command Prompt, Windows Recovery, BitRaser, etc, to delete their desired files.

Hey there, I’m Oliviya . I’m a web developer living in USA. I am a fan of photography, technology, and design. I’m also interested in arts and web development. View Our Blog:- Find The List.

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