If you’re currently struggling with the same issue and the conventional deleting approach (Right-click > Delete) doesn’t work for certain files or folders, there are a few options that will allow you to get rid of these files. Here’s a list of different approaches that will allow you to get rid of locked folders and files on Windows 10: Now that you know every approach that you can take, follow any method below (the one you feel most comfortable with) to get rid of locked files & folders on Windows 10:
Method 1: Using Linux Live CD to delete Locked Files
If you’re comfortable with using Linux, one of the most reliable methods of deleting Windows files is to boot from an Ubuntu LIVE CD and delete the file that will not go away conventionally under Windows. This method is very popular and was confirmed to work by a lot of users that were looking for ways to delete Windows locked files and folders. If you’re looking for specific instructions on how to do this, follow the instructions below: If you’re looking for a different approach to deleting locked Windows files, move down to the next method below.
Method 2: Taking ownership of the file/folder
Keep in mind that a fairly common reason why you can expect to encounter resistance when attempting to delete certain files is a permission issue. This is much more common than you think as it’s been reported by a lot of Windows 10 users. If you find yourself in this particular scenario, one way to resolve this issue is to use the ‘takedown’ command inside an elevated Command Prompt to take full ownership of the file or folder that is refusing to uninstall. This tool (Takedown.exe) has been around since Windows 7 and will resolve the majority of permission issues that might be preventing you from deleting the files in Windows 10. Here as some step-by-step instructions that will show you how to use takedown.exe to take full ownership of a file or folder. Once you manage to take full ownership of a file, repeat the deletion attempt and see if it’s successful this time. In case you’re still unable to remove the file/folder or you’re looking for a different approach, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 3: Unlocking files via Unlocker
If you’re looking for a convenable method that will allow you to unlock files in order to be able to delete them conventionally, one of the easiest ways to do it is to use a free program like Unlocker – this is a freeware that will allow you to take control over your files and grant the necessary permissions so you can delete any locked files easily. Several affected users have reported that this program allowed them to finally get rid of the locked Windows files. If you’re comfortable with using a freeware to unlock and delete Windows files, follow the instructions below to install and use Unlocker: If you’re looking for a different method of getting rid of the file (or you are trying to remove Windows.old), move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 4: Deleting a locked file/folder via Process Explorer
Another approach that will allow you to delete locked files or folders that you don’t have a password to is to use Process Explorer to locate the process that is preventing the deletion and every associated handle before repeating the deletion operation from within the interface of Process Explorer. This method was confirmed to be effective by a lot of affected users including those unable to delete unnecessary Windows processes. If you’re looking for specific instructions on how to do via Process Explorer, follow the instructions below: If the same problem is still occurring or you’re looking for a different approach, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 5: Booting in Safe Mode
If the reason why you are unable to delete a particular file or folder is that it is currently used by a running application or driver, one way to ensure that the roadblock is no longer occurring is to boot your computer in Safe Mode and delete the problematic file or folder. While booting in Safe Mode, your Windows is configured to load the bare minimum processes – Safe run will not run autoexec.bat, config.sys files, most drivers, dedicated graphics drivers, 3rd party processes, etc. If you suspect that a driver or 3rd party process is interfering with your deletion attempt, follow these instructions to boot your Windows 10 computer in safe mode. After you have successfully booted in Safe Mode, navigate to the location continuing the locked files and delete it conventionally (right-click > Delete), and see if the operation is succesfull. If the same problem is still occurring or you’re trying to delete Windows.old file, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 6: Removing Windows.old via Elevated CMD (if applicable)
If you’re encountering this issue while attempting to delete the Windows.old file, this is understandably frustrating as the file will refuse to go away conventionally. This locked file is known to take a lot of space (especially if it was generated after you upgraded to Windows 10 from an older version). Keep in mind that in normal circumstances, the Windows.old file should be removed automatically by your OS after a certain period of time passes, but in certain circumstances, this might not happen. If you find yourself in this scenario, you will be able to finally get rid of Windows.old by opening an elevated Command Prompt from the Advanced Options > Troubleshooting menu. In case you need further assistance, we’ve created a guide that will walk you through the process of removing Windows.old.
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