Force delete opened file

Warning: This way will remove files with zero-filling and the deleted files are hard to be recovered even using data recovery software. Step 1. Step 2. Step 3. If you want to use the other three shredding ways, upgrade to the Professional version. Force delete file or folder using PowerShell PowerShell consists of a command0line shell and associated scripting language.

Tip: —force parameter can be sued to delete read-only or hidden files. Force delete stubborn file or folder using a file shredder If you are a newbie in computer, you can turn to an easy-to-use and safe file shredder for Windows 10, 8, 7, AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard. Once installed, just right-click the locked file and select What is locking this file.

This should bring up a window showing all processes using the file. In our case, we couldn't unlock the file, but deleting it at the next system restart did work.

We showed you a few ways to unlock a file open in another program or in use by the system. Hopefully, one of them worked. If none of the above methods worked, or if you're not interested in installing software, there is one last thing you can try: boot into Windows Safe Mode.

The file you're trying to delete may automatically be loaded by another application. Unlockers should still work if that's the case, but if malware is involved or if you don't want to deal with third-party tools, then Safe Mode is your next best bet. Then, under Advanced startup , select Restart now. When your computer reboots, you'll see the Startup Settings screen, from where you can choose Safe Mode.

It's really annoying when an unwanted file claims to be still in use, and doubly so when you have no idea what's using it. Now you know how to free up a locked file or force your PC to delete it regardless. If solving this problem was the last straw for you, did you know there are File Explorer alternatives that you can download? For instance, XYplorer is an excellent portable substitute for Microsoft's own offering. Windows File Explorer isn't a great file manager for Windows.

Here are the best Windows File Explorer alternatives! While completing a PhD, Tina started writing about consumer technology in and never stopped. Now also an editor and SEO, you can find her on Twitter or hiking a nearby trail. We'll show you how you can force close, rename, move, or delete a file that is in use. How to Overcome the "File in Use" Error. Share Share Tweet Email. Tina Sieber Articles Published. Subscribe to our newsletter Join our newsletter for tech tips, reviews, free ebooks, and exclusive deals!

This file deletion method won't pass the Recycle Bin. Note: Need to mention that this post is not talking about deleting Windows system files. Windows system files are usually protected against deletion. Deleting system files can cause issues of your Windows 10 computer OS. So please do not delete system files randomly. Quick Video Guide:. In case sometimes you may mistakenly deleted a needed file on your Windows 10 computer, here we also attach an easy file undelete method, namely, use the professional data recovery software to easily recover deleted files from your Windows 10 computer.

Download and install MiniTool Power Data Recovery on your Windows computer and follow the simple operation below to recover mistakenly deleted files. Then you can choose the specific partition in the right window where your deleted files located. Click Scan button. If you want to scan and recover specific type of files, you can click Settings to choose the file type before you click Scan button.

After the scan process is completed, you can check the scan result to find your mistakenly deleted files, check them and click Save button to set a new destination path to store them. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Reddit Summary : If you can't delete a file or folder in Windows 10, check the 3 ways in this post for how to delete files that cannot be deleted in your Windows 10 computer. Intuitive interface and simple operation.