10 most effective ways to delete stubborn files in 2023

During daily computer use, there are probably many times when you want to delete any file but cannot. So how to delete that file? The following article TipsMake will share 10 ways to quickly and effectively delete stubborn files on Windows. Let's find out!

1. Restart the system to delete stubborn files

The simplest and fastest way is to restart the system to delete stubborn files. The method is very simple, you just need to restart your computer and proceed to delete files in the usual way.

The steps are as follows:

1. Step 1: Select the Windows logo, then click Restart .
2. Step 2: Wait for the computer to restart and proceed to delete the file as usual.

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If you still cannot delete files after rebooting, you can use the delete command in Commmand Prompt, which we will cover in the next article.

>> See more: The simplest way to delete applications on your computer you should know

2. Use commands in Command Prompt

To delete stubborn files on Windows, you can use commands in Command Prompt. The steps are as follows:

1. Step 1: Press the Windows + R key combination , then enter the command 'cmd' and click OK .

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1. Step 2: After the window opens, enter the command below and press Enter . Where PATH is the path to the folder you want to delete.

rmdir / s / q PATH

For example: If you want to delete the folder named huykhangpc located in the Blog folder on drive C, the command will now be as follows:

rmdir / s / q C:Bloghuykhangpc

Note: This command will permanently delete the folder you selected, so consider carefully before using this command.

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3. Use the delete command in DOS

You can also apply the delete command in DOS to quickly delete stubborn files. To use this command, you need to open a DOS window by right-clicking on the Windows Start button and selecting Run .

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Next, enter cmd in the Run dialog box and press Enter . At this time, the Command Prompt window will appear on the screen.

Here you can use DOS commands to go to the folder containing the file you want to delete and use the Del command in DOS to delete that file.

4. Use Task Manager

If the file you want to delete is still active, it cannot be deleted. You need to open Task Manager and turn off the application, then you can delete files as usual. The steps are as follows:

1. Step 1 : Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open the Task Manager window . 
2. Step 2 : Right-click on the application you need to turn off, then select End task .

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1. Step 3: After you have turned off the application, you can go back to the folder you want to delete and delete it as usual.

>> See more: What is an exe file? Simple instructions for opening and converting exe files on your computer

5. Use WinRAR to delete stubborn files

You can use WinRAR to delete stubborn files on Microsoft operating systems. This way, we can take advantage of WinRAR's option to delete the original file after creating the compressed file to delete stubborn files.

1. Step 1: Visit the website win-rar.com to download the application to your computer.
2. Step 2: After downloading, install the application according to the instructions.
3. Step 3: Open File Explorer, right-click on the folder you want to delete, select WinRAR and then continue to select Add to Archive .

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1. Step 4: In the Archive name and parameters window, in the Archiving options section, click on the Delete files after archiving box . Then click Ok at the bottom of the window.

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1. Step 5: Wait for WinRAR to finish compressing the folder, they will automatically delete the original folder. You can now delete the compressed files by right-clicking on them and selecting Delete .

6. Delete the folder containing the files you want to delete

If you still cannot delete the files you want to delete, try deleting the folder containing those files.

For example: Let's call folder A containing the file you want to delete, and this folder A is in another folder B. Your job is to try to delete the entire folder B (containing folder A and the files to be deleted). Sometimes they will work. However, remember that the necessary data contained in folders A and B must be moved elsewhere before the entire folder can be deleted.

7. Change File Explorer process settings

By default, File Explorer starts all of its windows in a single process ( explorer.exe ). However, this could be due to your settings forcing File Explorer to start a separate process, which could cause conflicts between other processes.

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer . At the 3 dots at the top, click Options.

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In the Folder Options window, switch to the View tab and find the Lauch folder windows in a separate process option. Make sure they are unchecked. Click Apply to save changes.

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8. Turn off Preview Pane in File Explorer

Preview Pane in File Explorer is a file preview mode. Therefore, to avoid opening the wrong file, it is best to turn off Preview Pane mode to delete stubborn files normally. How to close the Preview Pane and delete files as follows:

1. Step 1 : Press the key combination Windows + E , switch to the View tab .

1. Step 2 : Press Alt + P to close the Preview Pane, then delete stubborn files as normal.

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9. Use Safe boot to delete files

When you open Safe boot mode, the computer will run in basic mode without additional applications. This will help return the laptop to its original state and fix basic errors. The steps are carried out as follows:

1. Step 1: Select the Start icon, in the search bar enter msconfig , then select System Configuration .
2. Step 2: Select the Boot tab > Select the Safe boot box > Select Apply .

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10. Use supporting software

Below are some software to delete stubborn files that you can refer to:

Unlocker software

This is stubborn file deletion software that is used by many users. It will provide you with a great solution to delete any files and folders on Windows that you have tried before but still failed. Some outstanding advantages of Unlocker stubborn file deletion software are:

1. Supports compatibility with multiple operating systems, allowing users to quickly delete even the most stubborn files.
2. This software is completely free, you just need to search and download it.
3. This is a lightweight file deletion tool that is easy to use and receives positive feedback from users.

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Revo Uninstaller software

Revo Uninstaller is a software for cleaning and deleting stubborn files and is highly appreciated by technology connoisseurs. With powerful algorithms, the software is capable of deeply analyzing application information related to the program that needs to be removed. 

In addition, it also thoroughly cleans unnecessary software and programs to make your computer cleaner. Impressive features of Revo Uninstaller software:

1. Use hunter mode to completely remove stubborn folders that need quick and precise removal.
2. Can delete stubborn files, clean junk files, temporary files or unnecessary files on the hard disk.
3. Permanently remove the software you want to remove.
4. Supports deleting the history of prominent web browsers.

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PCHunter software

This is stubborn file deletion software that is highly appreciated for its ability to delete files quickly. It has main features that support antivirus, antispyware and system management. In addition, PCHunter software has the ability to view and process the system, help delete junk or unnecessary files, etc. quickly. Advantages of PCHunter software:

1. See Windows processor.
2. Find hidden files, including previously locked folders.
3. Add network management function.
4. Supports viewing running processes, running in the background, allowing to pause or end a process.

Through the above article, you have learned how to delete stubborn files very simply and quickly, helping to bring high efficiency in using your computer. Hopefully this TipsMake article will be truly useful to readers.

Marvin Fry

Update 23 November 2023