How to Get Rid of Stubborn Files in Windows 10
I’m going to share with you some helpful tips and tricks on how to delete those pesky files that just don’t want to go away in Windows 10. You know the ones I’m talking about – those stubborn files that refuse to be deleted, no matter how hard you try. Luckily, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to help you get rid of them for good.
1.
Identify the Culprit
First things first, we need to figure out which file is causing all the trouble. It might be a program, a document, or even a folder. Take a close look at your file explorer and identify the file that’s giving you a headache. Once you’ve found it, make a mental note of its name and location.
2.
Close any Open Programs
Sometimes, a file refuses to be deleted because it’s being used by another program. So, before we proceed, let’s make sure there are no active programs that might be holding onto that file. Close any open windows or applications, and give it another shot.
3.
End the Process
If the file is still being stubborn, we might need to get a little more technical. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager. Look for any processes that are related to the file you want to delete. Select the process and click on “End Task” to terminate it. Now, try deleting the file again.
4.
Safe Mode to the Rescue
If all else fails, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Restart your computer and enter into Safe Mode. This mode will only load essential system programs, which means that no third-party applications will interfere with the deletion process. Once you’re in Safe Mode, locate the troublesome file and try deleting it again.
5.
Take Ownership
In some cases, you might not have the necessary permissions to delete a file. To gain full control, you’ll need to take ownership of the file. Right-click on the file, select “Properties,” and navigate to the “Security” tab. Click on “Advanced” and then “Change” next to the owner’s name. Enter your username and click “OK” to save the changes. Now you should be able to delete the file without any issues.
6.
Reboot and Retry
If you’ve followed all the steps and the file is still hanging on, a simple reboot might do the trick. Restart your computer and try deleting the file once it’s back up and running. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh start to get rid of those persistent files.
Remember, dealing with stubborn files can be frustrating, but don’t give up. With these tips and a little persistence, you’ll be able to conquer that persistent file and regain control over your Windows 10 system.
The worst files are those that say “Access Denied” and can’t be deleted. It’s like an insult because it’s your computer, you own it, and yet it tells you that you can’t delete or rename a file. In this article, I will show you how to make Windows remove a file so you can take back control of your stuff.
First, Restart Your Computer
Why does this help? Sometimes, when you share or use a file, your operating system marks it for further use later. For example, when you send a file via email and suddenly can’t delete it, your computer may say it’s still in use, even though you’ve sent it and closed your email app.
Once you restart your computer, the mark will be removed from the file, allowing you to delete it as usual. There are even times when simply using the file is enough to have it marked. For instance, if you’re using an image in a vector drawing program and then close the program, it may still deny your request to delete it because it’s still marked as “In Use,” even though the program is closed.
Shut Down the Most Likely Culprit
After reading the previous section, you might be thinking, “Couldn’t I just shut down my email or vector drawing software?” Yes, that can work sometimes.
For example, if you were uploading a file through the Microsoft Outlook app and you shut down the app, you should be able to delete the file. The same often applies if you’re using a chat function. You can usually shut down the app, like Skype or WhatsApp, and delete the file.
Can Your Antivirus Help?
Yes, your virus checker can solve your problem. Some malware adds itself to your system bit by bit, and it becomes active when you visit a specific website that automatically redirects you to an ad. The individual pieces of malware are designed to go unnoticed by the antivirus because they only become a threat when all the parts are present and activated.
Some less experienced hackers create files that are impossible to delete. These files conceal pieces of malware. However, the undeletable file itself is a clear sign of their work, which brings more attention to the malware they’re trying to sneak into your system. If your antivirus can detect undeletable files, it’ll remove or quarantine them for you.
Norton and AVG recently announced that their antivirus programs automatically delete certain types of stubborn files when scanning your computer.
Change the Ownership of Your File
Imagine you’ve downloaded a file that the owner doesn’t want to share. Let’s say someone ripped a DVD for personal use, but a hacker stole it and uploaded it to torrent sites. You download the video, but you can’t rename it, change the metadata, or delete it for some reason.
The first thing you should do is close your torrent program. It might be using the file and preventing you from deleting it. Don’t worry, you can reopen the program later. Shutting it down temporarily will allow you to test if it’s the cause of the problem.
Changing the ownership of the file might let you modify its name, metadata, and delete it. However, it’s a complex process, and devices sometimes make it even more difficult. It might be easier to download a tool that can change the ownership for you or forcefully delete the file in question.
Delete the File in Safe Mode
On your computer, many programs interact with one another. Each program affects different settings, and some can clash with the smooth operation of your computer.
When you start your computer in safe mode, you disable these programs’ influence over your files. Consequently, you may be able to delete files that were previously undeletable. Most software running silently and secretly in the background won’t be active during safe mode, so it won’t prevent you from deleting these stubborn files.
Use a Third-Party Tool
Installing third-party tools on your computer requires caution since hackers might use them as a backdoor to infiltrate your system. They offer seemingly harmless tools that are virus-free but have security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to gain access to your computer.
However, if you’re willing to conduct thorough research before downloading and installing a third-party tool, using one to delete your file shouldn’t be too risky. It may be less hazardous than attempting to change the file’s ownership or adjust the key registry.
Freedom at Last
The methods outlined in this article should assist you in removing unwanted files. If none of them work, you may want to consider taking your computer to a repair shop.
Have you found a solution to your undetachable file problem? Has your access been denied, or is the file still being used somewhere else? Did your antivirus software resolve the issue, or did you need to restart your computer? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
