How to delete undeletable files and folders: methods, programs and utilities. Deleting files Program to delete folders that are not deleted

Every PC user at least once wondered "how to delete non-removable files." It is unavoidable in some cases to run into this problem. Windows OS is designed so that if some program or system process accesses the file, then its deletion is currently impossible. Sometimes viruses use this locking mechanism to protect their elements from erasure.

You can neutralize a non-removable folder or a separate file from the operating system using various methods. Manually, using regular functions, and automatically, using special unlocking utilities.

Despite the fact that the second method is more convenient and efficient, it makes sense to consider the manual cleaning algorithm as well. After all, not always the right program may be at hand.

So let's get started!

Method number 1: unlock and delete manually

Data collection

Before deleting a file or folder, you need to find out:

• what application they belong to (i.e. what program these objects are);
• in which directory they are stored on disk;
• what kind of digital signature they have (name of the company, developer).

1. Right-click on the element that cannot be deleted, and then select "Properties" from the system menu.

2. In the properties window, on the "General" tab, in the "Description" line - the name (name of the program), in the "Location" - the path to the file.

3. Click the Digital Signatures tab to view the name of the signatory.

4. Write down the received data or remember.

Unlock

1. Close all running programs - players, utilities, browsers, etc. Including those that are in the tray (via the context menu).

2. Open the "Task Manager" (key combination - CTRL+SHIFT+ESC).

3. On the "Applications" tab, if there are any objects in the "Task" column with the "Running" status (including open folders), also be sure to close: right-click → End task.

4. Click the Processes tab. Stop processes that are accessing or may be accessing the locked file. Focus on the received data about the properties of the object being deleted (name, signature, etc.), as well as on the "CPU" parameter in the manager (how much the active process loads the central processor).

Advice! If it is difficult to determine the "origin" of the process, further analyze its data: hover over the name → press the right button → click "Properties".

5. After the object blocking file deletion is found in the Dispatcher list, right-click on it and activate the command "End process" in the menu.

After completing all these steps, try to delete the stubborn folder (or file) again. If unsuccessful, restart your PC in safe mode and repeat the procedure:

at the time of restart, hold "F8" (or another key responsible for activating the menu; see the data sheet of your PC);

use the cursor keys to select "Safe Mode" in the list and press "Enter".

Method number 2: using utilities

There are a huge number of programs that delete undeletable files. But we will consider in the framework of this article the best ones that have earned the trust of a multi-million army of users.

The procedure for removing elements that do not want to "leave" the operating system through these programs is very simple. The user only needs to “drag” the file or folder to the working panel (window), select it through the system explorer or right-click on it and activate the utility through the context menu (its icon and name will be in the list of options).

A free utility from Cedrick Collomb. Despite its tiny size (less than 1Mb!), it can remove the most “capricious” files from a hard drive and flash drive. Quickly recognizes and eliminates the causes of their blocking. Unlocker is easy to manage: it integrates into the context menu, removes the selected object in one click.

Professional "neutralizer" of system messages such as "permission denied", "cannot delete folder", etc. One of the best programs in its category. Distributed under the ShareWare license (shareware). Specifies exactly the source of the file lock (process, application). In addition to the delete function, it provides the user with the ability to rename, copy or move an unlocked object.

A free program from the Russian developer Crystal Rich Ltd. In addition to eliminating files that "refuse" to be deleted, it also helps the user fight viruses that maliciously block folders. Capable of unloading a DLL from an active process. Deleted items are sent to the trash.

Such an aggressive name (assassin - hired killer) the utility received for a reason. It is designed to remove malicious files that are firmly rooted in the OS and, accordingly, do not want to be sent to the trash. Does not require installation. Supports three removal algorithms. It has effective ways to terminate processes and unload infected files from Windows.

Which program to remove, choose for yourself. Each of the above solutions copes with cleaning perfectly.

A program for deleting files that are not deleted is considered very useful and necessary. Everyone has experienced problems when it is important to delete a file, but does not want to end up in the trash. Faced with the situation, so I decided to analyze it in detail.
Removing them manually can be quite difficult, and the standard tools offered by the Windows system are not always enough. Here, specialized uninstallers are used, designed for instant and complete removal.
Most applications have the widest functionality:

• Built-in autoload manager;
• Making backup copies of the registry;
• Batch removal to save time;
• Recovery point;
• Cleaning browsers and malicious plugins;
• Removing temporary cache extensions;
• Removes various non-removable programs;
• Eliminate garbage while saving the program.

The advantage of the software is that you can carry out a deep cleaning, while removing all unnecessary utilities, such as folders, hidden directories, temporary, backup applications, registry entries.

Reasons and a set of programs for deleting files that are not deleted

What are the reasons and is there a program to delete files that are not deleted? In practice, this is because the removed items may still be used by the operating system. Even when the message pops up, it does not specify the sources of blocking. I propose to disassemble the most popular and proven tools. Each of them has its own advantages and draws on Windows 7, 8 or 10.

IQbit Unlocker in Russian

IQbit Unlocker in Russian allows you to bypass the lock when deleting unnecessary items from your hard drive. I recommend trying the software from the IQbit developer. In the pop-up window, select "Add", define the non-removable object and select the unlock method.
You can do it differently: select the desired file with the mouse and call the context menu, where "Unlocker" will be present. The software leaves no options even for those programs, in the removal procedure of which there is a window about the use of applications.

Unlocker

Unlocker will be a great helper. Among all analogues, for me personally, it is considered the simplest, no installations and folders on the hard drive. Its feature is an icon with a picture of a magic wand. Just add the necessary object to the program window and you can do whatever you want with it.
The Unlocker X64 utility allows you to:

• Change, move or delete locked items.
• Instantly solve the problem through the menu and the right mouse button.
• Avoid blocking components.
• Remove temporary TEMP files.

lockhunter

LockHunter will help if you plan to permanently part with the files, but they are stubborn and do not want to be deleted. It will quickly unblock and show what was using the file. If the program detects a virus, then this script will disappear from the disk.
If it is useful and involved, then you should not delete it. This will also be reported in a special window.

Unlock IT

Unlock IT is another good utility to clean up non-deleting files. Affordable and simple software will be able to thoroughly scan the system, parsing dlls and processes there that can block unnecessary components.


I have repeatedly applied this method to a computer when standard utilities could not cope. Preliminary analysis of the software is made, which ones to remove and some to stop. For instant accessibility through a special menu, there is synchronization with Explorer.

FileASSASSIN Windows 10

FileASSASIN Windows 10: If you are looking for a super powerful file erasing program, then this software is a great choice! The application procedure is almost indistinguishable from analogues, you can add a folder using a file loader or simply drag it into the software window.

Important! Assassin may delay the removal process until the next computer restart. It is necessary to perform the most difficult tasks. At the same time, disk space is optimized and temporary caches are cleaned.

Efficiently deleting folders from a Windows 7 flash drive

Effectively deleting folders from a Windows 7 flash drive in this section. All of us have flash drives and, most likely, you have encountered the problem of viruses. There is one great program for files that are not deleted in the usual way from a flash drive. Let's consider this method in more detail:

To erase a file that is not deleted from the flash drive, you need to find and run the Unlocker 1.9.2 program. It helps users in almost 95% of cases. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

In some situations, you cannot remove it even with the help of the Unlocker program, then you just need to rename it and then delete it.

Delete torrent files from computer

We remove torrent files from the computer in a quick way. Torrent client is indispensable for instant downloads. It is the main component of a spare set of a computer. Some are so attached to it that it is rather difficult to imagine downloading without it.
Often there is a situation to remove the torrent link, but it does not want to be cleared or the torrent files are not deleted. Let's take a look at the well-known uTorrent as an example and how to do the removal steps correctly.

Selectively deleting files

Selective deletion of files works as follows: you need to start uTorrent, right-click on the desired torrent.

In the window, select "Delete selectively", the following methods are presented:

• torrent file - only the specified view will be removed from the tasks, and the content will not be touched;
• uploaded files – uploaded files and the link will be completely deleted;
• only downloaded data - no media will remain, but the torrent will be.

Removing with an uninstaller

Removing with an uninstaller utility: let's analyze this issue on Soft Organizer. The method is recommended if the utility does not want to clean up objects in the usual way or if a thorough cleaning is required, including registries.

1. In the window, click on the name.
2. Activate the program removal assistant.
3. After uninstalling, click "Find" to find residual links.
4. After scanning, click "Delete" to clean the files from the remnants of the torrent.
5. It remains only to click "Finish" and close the software menu.

Important! Regardless of which client removal method you choose, all downloaded links will be intact and saved in directories.

How to delete a file for free if it is open in another program

If a message pops up on your computer “the file cannot be deleted because it is open in another program”, do not worry, because we will analyze how to erase an object for free. First of all, see if it is really open in another program, maybe it should simply be removed.

Often this is a system error, then you should restart the computer and repeat the action. If you know the name of the folder, then it will not be difficult to find it yourself in the program. Look in the task manager or tray.

If the above options did not help, then try a free uninstaller, invented mainly for such tasks - Unlocker. When installing, right-click on the file you want to get rid of.

Click Unlocker, wait a couple of seconds and click "Delete" in the window. Now everything is all right. As a rule, then a notification will come that a full deletion will occur when the computer is restarted.

Deleting non-deleted files on Android in a simple way

Consider formatting non-deleted files on Android in the simplest and safest way. The operating system includes folders that are divided into subcategories:

• Custom. Utilities installed by the user independently from the torrent.
• Factory. Installed initially, they cannot be removed without administrative rights.
• Systemic. Among them are Google services and original software. Such applications are not deleted without the possibility of damaging the gadget system.

You can permanently delete applications and files on Android with special programs that are provided on Google Play.

ES Explorer

This free utility ES File Explorer is considered universal due to the fact that it is a file manager, thanks to which you can clean up applications. After installing it, you will need to activate root rights in the settings.

Next, you should go to applications using the file manager in the system subsection / system / app. There are programs in the form of folders. By long holding at the bottom of the screen, select the application icons. At this stage, previously uninstalled applications are cleaned.

Important! As a result, the system warns about the impossibility of stopping the action. By confirming your choice, you perform an action with the administrator. Be careful not to mark important items!

CCleaner

The CCleaner utility cleans the system from the computer and cleans the standard Android applications after accessing them. The utility additionally implements the ability to clear the cache and delete the package.

With the help of the manager, you can turn off the options or clear them.

When working with administrative files, a security warning will pop up.

Alerts offer time to evaluate the actions being taken. Be sure to be careful not to lead to sad consequences.

Jumobile

A free Jumobile utility designed to work with a gadget when rights are applied. It is able to remove applications developed by the manufacturer.

An attempt to remove an application installed on the gadget's system will cause a stability violation message. A useful feature is the ability to work with batch applications. In this case, the items to be cleared are marked with checkmarks.

How to Delete Non-Deleted Files from iPhone

There is a program on how to delete non-removable files from the iPhone, this is the well-known PhoneClean utility. It deletes any folders, cache, iTunes sync data, files. Has a simple and intuitive interface.
First you need to download the program from the official website of the developer, then connect the phone to the computer and run the utility.

Click Start Scan, after which the parameters of the files that should be deleted will appear. But there is a little trick: if you check the box Cache and Off-line Files, then all photos will disappear from the device. If it doesn't matter to you, then leave it.

Cleaning is completed by pressing Clean Up.

So, today I told you in as much detail as possible what is the program for deleting files that are not deleted. All of them are free and suitable for all operating systems, and most importantly, they have been personally tested by me. Ease of operation and clear interface make them popular.

Personal computer users often encounter files that cannot be deleted using OS tools. Such data is locked by residual program processes. The system assumes that the document is still in use, when in fact the application that used it has already closed. How to delete a non-removable file? Information about this later in the material.

IMPORTANT: Before deleting a locked document, you must make sure that it has nothing to do with the system. Changing system elements (which are sometimes blocked) will lead to malfunctions in the OS. Up to a complete loss of performance.

Special programs (utilities) will help to remove the lock. The bulk of such programs allows not only the removal of locked data, but also to track the processes that impose this lock.

Against the background of other similar software, five programs stand out favorably: Unlocker, FileASSASIN, LockHunter, Free File Unlocker and IObit Unlocker. Their descriptions will be given below. Now let's look at ways to get rid of blocked data without using programs.

Before using the utility to unlock the object, or if you don't have access to it, you can try to delete it manually. There are three ways to do this - Task Manager, System Safe Mode and Registry editing.

This is a quick way to kill a process that is interfering with file deletion, but it only works when you know which particular process is interfering. For example, we have a video that has just been viewed in the player. After viewing, it must be deleted, but the system displays a message that the file is being used by another process and cannot be deleted (although the player is closed).

To remove such a lock, you will need to open the task manager. This can be done using the key combination Ctrl+Shift+Escape.

In the dispatcher window there will be a "Processes" tab. In the list of processes, you need to find the one that is responsible for the mentioned player. Select it and click "End Process". After these manipulations, the document should be deleted without problems. If this does not happen, then the problem is deeper.

Cleaning the system registry

Sometimes processes remain in the system registry. Editing it manually without special knowledge is a dangerous business. You can inadvertently remove important elements, which will have a deplorable effect on the operation of the entire system.

There are also special utilities for cleaning the registry. The most common among them CCleaner. An easy-to-use program allows you to effectively clean the system registry without any consequences.

If after using CCleaner the object is still not deleted, you can resort to the help of special utilities, which will be discussed later.

Removing in OS Safe Mode

Deleting non-removable files can be done in another way - by booting the OS in safe mode. It only loads core services and processes, so there is a good chance that the blocking process will not be loaded.

To enter safe mode, you must follow these steps:

• Turn on the computer;
• Before the OS starts loading, press F8;
• In the start menu, select the item "Safe Mode";
• Confirm launch in the specified mode.

Next, the system will boot with support for only basic services. Work with the conductor is available. It remains only to find and try to delete the unnecessary document. If it is not removed even from safe mode, then you will need a program to remove non-removable files.

Programs for deleting undeletable files

To help PC users, special programs have been developed that allow you to unlock the data involved in background processes. With their help, you can delete, move and rename problematic documents.

Among the many similar utilities, we can single out the top five with optimal parameters. Familiarization with this list will allow you to choose which program to delete undeletable files.

FileASSASIN is a freeware utility

The utility is distributed as free software, that is, you do not have to pay to download or use it.

A simple and effective tool for dealing with undeletable files. The inability to delete an item is a sign of malware. FileASSASIN allows you to get rid of such data without any problems.

There are two ways to delete files with FileASSASIN: immediate disposal or deletion on system reboot. The second option is useful when there is no time or an important long process is taking place on the computer. To deal with an unwanted file, just drag it to the input line or specify the path to it through the explorer.

FileASSASIN is good software, but it has two significant drawbacks. Firstly, no one bothered to localize the utility into Russian. The interface is only available in English. This circumstance is compensated by ease of handling. Secondly, work on the project has been stopped. The last update came out in 2007. But not all users work with the latest software and hardware, so FileASSASIN is still in demand.

Before deleting a folder that cannot be deleted, it is better to install another utility, because FileASSASIN does not have such a function.

Free File Unlocker - free software that integrates with Windows

The software is absolutely free. Free File Unlocker works with all versions of Windows. The degree of integration with the operating system is generally on top. Firstly: the software is built into the explorer and becomes available from the menu by right-clicking on the file.

Secondly, Free File Unlocker can be called from the command line, which speeds up the pace of work with it. The utility allows you to delete not only blocked data, but also processes that are responsible for the lack of access. You can perform any actions on unlocked files (rename, copy, move). In addition, it is better to entrust the removal of undeletable folders to this particular utility.

Integration with the operating system occurs through the explorer and the ability to work on the command line. Significantly improves usability and the availability of a portable version.

Free File Unlocker has the same drawback as the previous software - the lack of Russian localization of the interface. However, the principles of working with it are intuitive, so even Russian-speaking users who do not speak English should not have problems.

IObit Unlocker is a simple and powerful tool

System messages like and "Access Denied" now do not interfere with getting rid of an unnecessary file.

IObit Unlocker is a simple and powerful tool to overcome the difficulties with deleted files. A small program allows you to unlock a file and move, rename or even delete it.

The application is supported by major versions of Windows 7 and 8. The utility is available for free download. In addition, it received special marks from CHIP magazine and Softpedia portal. The interface is extremely simple. You can add data for processing by simply dragging and dropping or adding a path through the explorer.

IObit Unlocker can remove blocking processes along with the file. The main thing is not to try to delete system data. Critical data is protected by the system from deletion. Therefore, fighting with the next non-deleted document, you need to make sure that it definitely has nothing to do with important system data.

LockHunter is the best informative utility to delete folders

The most informative utility. By pressing the button "What is blocking this file?" The software provides comprehensive information on the processes blocking access to the file. In addition, LockHunter is the best program for deleting undeleted folders.

After they are found, you can begin to remove them. After getting rid of unwanted processes, the previously locked object can be deleted.

The peculiarity of IObit Unlocker is that the deleted data is sent to the "basket" and can be restored. This increases the security of working with it, since mistakenly deleted system data can be painlessly restored.

The main functional features of the program:

• Displaying information about blocking processes;
• The ability to stop (not delete) a process that blocks access;
• Complete and irretrievable termination of the said process;
• Combination with the OS explorer and the ability to access from the context menu by right-clicking.

The software successfully integrates with the OS explorer, but working through the command line is not supported. IObit Unlocker allows you to successfully get rid of locked data in both 32-bit OS and 64-bit versions. In addition, the unlocker is distributed for free.

Unlocker is a popular free utility

You can delete undeletable files using unlocker. Its functionality comes to the rescue in the following situations:

• When it is necessary to delete an object or directory that is occupied by third-party applications;
• If necessary, delete the document, access to which is prohibited;
• When a message appears about a full, protected or inaccessible disk;
• If it is necessary to delete a document that is shared with other users of the system;
• In other similar situations.

With the help of Unlocker, you can successfully deal not only with blocking, but also with malicious software. Virus programs protect their components from destruction in this way. Unlocker helps to overcome this protection.

The utility is free, so it has become widespread among experienced users. "Gentleman's sets" of programs of many specialists also cannot do without Unlocker. It is built into the OS explorer. There is a special "assistant" that keeps the program active all the time and allows you to quickly call it from the system tray.

Users regularly write new information to the PC, delete unnecessary files, install and uninstall applications, create and delete folders. This process is endless.

However, not everything always goes according to plan, and the system prohibits the PC owner from performing some actions. Below is a guide on how to delete a stubborn file or folder on a Windows 7 computer.

The main causes of the problem

There are many reasons why the system does not allow you to remove any component.

Knowing the root of the problem, you can also get rid of an unwanted element using the means of Windows 7 itself, and in all other cases, third-party applications will help.

Among the main causes of difficulties when removing a component, the following should be noted:

1. Blocking it with an antivirus. Sometimes the protection utility sends a file to quarantine and waits for the databases to be updated to perform disinfection.

At the same time, for the owner of the computer, a reasonable option is to completely remove the dangerous element, which can be done using the tools of the antivirus program itself.

If the security program does not provide for such tools, it is recommended to temporarily deactivate it and manually clean the infected component (in this manual, specific methods are indicated below, how this can be done using Seven or third-party utilities);

Uninstall methods using Windows 7 tools

Before installing third-party utilities, it is advisable to try to use the built-in tools of Seven.

Through directory properties

You must perform the following sequential steps:

Using Task Manager

It is not uncommon for an ongoing process to interfere with a procedure.

You will need to perform the following steps:

Restart Windows 7

This is the simplest method, but very often it is effective. You just need to restart your PC.

If a normal restart did not lead to success, then you can delete the damaged item by booting into safe mode.

Using third party software

In the absence of a positive result from the application of the above methods, it will be necessary to use alternative applications.

Some utilities are able to remove even the components involved in the operating system itself. Therefore, when such powerful tools are used, it is recommended that you know exactly the purpose of the element being removed, otherwise its uninstallation may lead to a crash in the OS.

Unlocker

This utility is freely distributed and easily erases most user-specified items from the PC's memory.

You need to do the following:

By performing these simple steps, you can forcefully delete any items that the PC owner wants to get rid of forever. The Revo Uninstaller application has similar functions.

The interfaces of these programs are designed in an intuitive style and contain explanatory information, so even a beginner can work in them without prior study of the instructions.

However, you should not uninstall items that the user is not sure about.

Finding a more popular file manager is very difficult. Many users use Total Commander (TK), so if this file shell is already installed on the PC, then with it you can successfully bypass some of the Seven's prohibitions.

There are many modifications of the shopping mall, they differ significantly in the interface and the number of built-in utilities, but almost all versions successfully cope with the removal of the required elements.

You need to do the following:

Note: instead of a physical button, you can equally well use the special virtual key "F8 Delete" provided by the application developers, which you just need to click once with the left mouse button.

FAR Manager

Old-school users who are accustomed to working in Norton usually prefer the more familiar "FAR Manager" interface in terms of look and feel.

Here are two options for solving the problem in this manager:

FileASSASIN

You only need to take a few steps:

When you try to delete a particular folder in the usual way, the system may display a message stating that deletion is currently not possible. The notice usually states the reason why the section cannot be moved to the Trash. Consider the types of errors and take the necessary measures.

Why are some folders not deleted in Windows 10

The system resists the deletion of certain objects for the following reasons:

• files located in this directory are currently being used by some applications. Completely close the utility and try deleting the file folder again; You won't be able to delete a folder if it contains a file that is currently in use by some application
• the user does not have enough permissions to send the folder to the Trash. As a rule, this applies to system folders, which require administrator rights to delete;
  Admin rights are required to delete some folders
• the file folder is used by the user on another computer if your PC is connected to a local network. In this situation, it remains only to wait for him to finish working with her;
• the folder contains incorrect or incomplete files. If the process of writing to the hard drive is interrupted, the files are only partially saved and often do not start. As a result, they become "dead weight" for Windows: the OS does not know what to do with them, and closes access to them;
  Unforeseen errors during deletion of folders may occur due to the presence of corrupted or incorrectly written files
• the files in the folder have been quarantined by an antivirus utility. Delete the quarantined file through the antivirus itself, and then try to delete it again.
  The non-deleted folder may contain files that are currently in the "Quarantine" section of the antivirus

Is it possible to delete such folders

You have the right to freely delete user files, which, as a rule, are located on the local drive D. When cleaning directories on the system drive C, you need to be as careful as possible because of the risk of deleting files that are important for the system to work. Deleting folders needed by the OS can cause it to crash or crash and cause the computer to shut down prematurely.

You can't just delete system files. The OS will issue various messages, such as asking for administrator permission, etc.

Admin rights are required to delete most system folders

Nevertheless, cleaning system folders from "garbage" is useful: it saves the OS from unnecessary files. But you need to know what can be deleted and what not. For example, you can delete folders from uninstalled programs in the Program Files section. For one reason or another, they could remain empty on the PC or with several files. In this situation, one of the following methods is suitable.

In the Program Files folder, look for sections with programs that have long been uninstalled and delete them, for example, using the "Command Line"

Before cleaning the system hard drive from unnecessary folders, it is recommended to create a restore point. In case of unsuccessful removal, you can return the system to its original state.

If a message appears on the screen asking for permission from TrustedInstaller (protection from the removal of system components), deleting the folder is not recommended. If you are sure that it can be safely removed from the system, use the method with reconfiguring rights.

If you receive a message about the need for permission from TrustedInstaller, delete folders and files only when you are sure that the system does not need them

If in doubt whether it is possible to delete a particular directory on the system disk, find information about it on the Internet.

Ways to delete folders that don't want to disappear

Depending on the type of problem, select one or more of the solutions detailed below.

Deleting Windows.old, folders with temporary files and other system directories

If you want to clean up the system partition from garbage, for example, delete old Windows installations from the Windows.old folder and temporary files from the Temp folder, but the system does not allow you to do this, use the Disk Cleanup tool:

1. Open the "Control Panel" through "Windows Search", the "Start" menu, or in another way convenient for you. Click on the "Administration" section.
   In the "Control Panel" window, find the "Administrative Tools" section and click on it once
2. Select Disk Cleanup.
   In the list, click on the item "Disk Cleanup"
3. Select the system drive.
   Select the drive you want to clean from the drop-down menu
4. Click on the "Clean up system files" button, because. in the current window, you can only get rid of some folders and their contents.
   For deep cleaning, click on "Clean up system files"
5. Wait a while for the system to estimate the amount of memory that can be freed. A window will open with a list of possible partitions to clean up. Select the desired directories using the checkboxes, for example, the item "Previous Windows installations". Start the process of deleting files from folders through the "OK" button.
   Select the items you want to clean up and click OK.
6. The system will ask if you are sure you want to uninstall all older versions of Windows. In this case, you will not be able to roll back to the previous update. If you really want to delete them and free up space on your system drive, click on "Yes".
   Click on "Yes" if you want to remove previous installations of Windows
7. The removal will take a long time, so be patient.
   Waiting for the deletion to complete

Restarting the computer as a solution to the problem

Deleting a partition on a hard disk may become impossible due to a single failure in the system or because it is currently using this file. In this case, you can simply restart your PC and the problem will disappear. Never use the Power button on your PC to turn it off.

Closing utilities associated with a folder in Task Manager

If you want to delete a folder with text documents that are currently open in Microsoft Office, the system will notify you that this action is not possible. She will ask you to close all utility windows and try again.

Close the window and try uninstalling again

But if the utility is closed and the folder is still not deleted, most likely the Microsoft Office Word process (or any other program through which the file was opened) is still hanging in the list of running processes. To shut down the application completely, you can restart your computer or end the task manually in the "Task Manager":

Video: how to end a process in the Task Manager

Changing Attributes

Incorrectly set folder attributes can prevent users from deleting them. To fix the situation, do the following:

1. In Windows Explorer, open the directory that contains the folder to delete. For example, this is the user's "Photos" folder. Right-click on it and click "Properties".
   In the context menu of the folder, click on "Properties"
2. An additional window will appear on the display. In the "General" tab, we find the "Attributes" section and uncheck all items. You need to uncheck the "Read Only" box.
   Uncheck the attributes in the "General" folder
3. Click the "Apply" button. A third window will appear, in which check the second item "To this folder and to all subfolders and files." Click "OK".
   Apply changes to the folder and to all files and sections nested in it
4. Try to delete the directory again.

Reconfiguring access rights

If the folder cannot be removed because the user does not have administrator rights, it is necessary to configure the system in such a way that the user becomes the owner of the folder and has full access to actions with it.

1. Find the folder in Windows Explorer and right-click on it. Select "Properties".
2. Go to the "Security" tab and click on "Advanced".
   In the "Security" tab, click on the "Advanced" button
3. Click on the "Add" button.
   Click on "Add" to go to the next window
4. Click on the blue link "Select a Subject".
   Click on the first link "Choose a Subject"
5. Click on the "Advanced" button.
   Click on "More" to see a list of accounts
6. Click on "Search" and select yourself from the list below (usually this is the very first item). Click "OK".
   Click on the "Search" button and select your account from the list
7. Confirm the subject by clicking the OK button.
   Click on "OK" to save the selected account
8. In the second part of the window there will be a list with permissions. Check the box to the left of "Full Control".
   Check the item "Full control" in the list of general permissions
9. Click on the "OK" button to make changes.
   Click on "OK" to save the permissions
10. Using the "Apply" button, we save the changes made. We put ourselves as the owner by clicking on the "Change" link.
    Click on the "Change" link to change the owner of the folder
11. Select the owner also using the "More" and "Search" buttons.
12. Check the box next to the "Replace owner of subcontainers and objects" option.
    To save all changes, click on "Apply"
13. Click "Apply" again and then "OK" to close the window.
14. Restart your PC and try deleting the folder.

Video: How to get full access to a specific folder

Using "Command Line"

You can get rid of the folder through the "Command line":

Video: How to Force Delete Folders Using Command Prompt

Removing in "Safe Mode"

An unnecessary partition may be deleted if the computer runs in "Safe Mode", in which the system starts only the most important components. The folder will not be locked, you will have access to it. This method may work if there are badly written files in the folder. To activate "Safe Mode" on Windows 10:

1. Press the Win + R combination on your keyboard to bring up the Run window. In the Open box, type msconfig. It is best to copy and paste it so as not to make a mistake. Click "OK".
   Enter the command msconfig in the "Open" field and click on "OK"
2. The System Configuration window will appear on the screen. Go to the "Download" section.
   In the "System Configuration" window, check the box next to "Safe Mode"
3. Check the box to the left of "Safe Mode". Click on "Apply" first so that all changes are successfully saved, and then on "OK" to close the window.
   Click on "Apply" and on "OK", and then reboot the device
4. Restart your PC. When you restart the OS, it will boot in the installed mode. Try deleting the annoying folder.
5. If you want the PC to boot later in normal mode, go to this window again, uncheck the item and save the changes.

Video: How to activate "Safe Mode" in Windows 10

With the help of special utilities

Folders that cannot be deleted may contain locked program files that cannot be removed from the PC's memory even after the utilities have been completely uninstalled. Programs specifically block them so that the user can restore the utility if he wants to use it again. Special software can solve this unusual problem.

For example, let's take a small FileAssassin application from the developer Malwarebytes. It installs quite quickly on a PC and does not require much space. The downside is that the utility is in English, but following a simple instruction, you can easily unlock any folder and file in it:

1. Go to the official website of the utility. Click Download. Open the downloaded installer and install the application following the simple prompts in the window.
   Click on the download button to download the installer
2. Launch the software through the icon on the "Desktop". The main program window will open.
   In the initial window of FileAssassin, check all the checkboxes in the list of options
3. Check the boxes next to all items in the list.
   Click on the button with three dots and open the folder you want to delete
4. Click on the button to the right of the empty field with three dots. Select a folder in the additional window.
   Click on Execute so that all the actions marked in the list are applied to the folder or file from it
5. Click the Execute button. A message should appear on the screen stating that the file was successfully deleted.
   Click on "OK" to close the window and see if the folder has been deleted

The choice of such programs is quite large. For Windows 10, utilities such as IObit Unlocker, LockHunter, Far Manager and others are also suitable.

Using the file manager Total Commander

Total Commander is one of the most famous and successful file managers for Windows. The utility is paid, but at the beginning a trial period is provided for testing (1 month). With this application, you can forcefully delete a folder that is not erased in the usual "Windows Explorer":

1. Go to the official resource of the utility. Download the program installer according to your system version (32-bit or 64-bit).
   Download the Total Commander installer from the official website
2. Install the utility by following the simple instructions in the window.
3. Run the program through the icon on the "Desktop". You will immediately be offered to use the free version of the product for a month.
   You can use the program for free for a month
4. In the Commander window, find the folder that you couldn't delete before. Click on it with the left mouse button to select it. After that press F8.
   We find in the program window the folder that we want to delete
5. Confirm deletion.
   Click "Yes" to delete the folder
6. The delete option can also be launched in a more familiar way for all users. Right-click and select "Delete" from the large menu.
   Select the "Delete" option in the context menu of the folder

There are a number of manipulations that can help in deleting a "stubborn" folder:

The problem of the impossibility of deleting certain folders is more than solvable. The way out of the situation depends on the type of error: closing the program in which the folder file is open; obtaining full access to sections; changing attributes and even a simple reboot of the system in the event of a single failure.