How to Delete A File in File Explorer

As computer users, we often need to delete files that are no longer needed. It sounds like a simple task, but sometimes it can be challenging. For example, you may have encountered a situation when you tried to delete a file, but got an error message that the file is being used by another program or you don’t have the necessary permissions to delete the file. In this blog post, we will discuss some methods on how to delete a file in File Explorer, the default file manager in Windows.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Deleting A File in File Explorer

Deleting a file in File Explorer seems like a straightforward task. All you have to do is right-click on the file and select "Delete" from the context menu. However, sometimes things can get complicated. Some of the common issues that users face when trying to delete a file in File Explorer include:

• The file is locked by another program
• The file is in use by the system or a running process
• The file is write-protected

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we proceed with the methods to delete a file in File Explorer, there are a few things that you should prepare for:

• Make sure you have administrative privileges on your Windows account
• Try to close any programs that might be using the file that you want to delete
• If you are unsure about the file you want to delete, make a backup or copy of it before deleting

Method 1: Deleting a File Using File Explorer

This is the most common method to delete a file in File Explorer. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the file you want to delete.
2. Right-click on the file you want to delete and select "Delete" from the context menu.
3. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click "Yes" to confirm the deletion.
4. If the file is being used by another program, a message will appear stating that the file is in use. In this case, close the program that is using the file and try again.
5. If you get an error stating that you do not have the necessary permissions, ensure that you have administrative privileges on your Windows account.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Does not require any third-party software

Cons:

• You may not be able to delete a file if it is in use by another program.
• You may not have permission to delete the file due to the file’s write-protected status.

Method 2: Deleting A File Using the Command Prompt

If you are familiar with the command prompt, this method may be faster for you. Here are the steps:

1. Open the command prompt by pressing the Windows key and typing "cmd." Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator."
2. Type "del /f /q " in the command prompt, replacing with the name of the file you want to delete. Press enter.
3. If the file is in use, you will be prompted to close the program that is using it. Once closed, re-run the command.
4. If you still cannot delete the file, make sure you have administrative privileges on your Windows account.

Pros:

• Faster than deleting a file using File Explorer.
• You can delete a file even if it is in use by another program.

Cons:

• Requires knowledge of command prompt commands.
• You may not have permission to delete the file due to the file’s write-protected status.

Method 3: Unlocking a File Using Third-Party Software

If you cannot delete a file because it is in use by another program, you can use third-party software to unlock the file. Here’s how:

1. Download and install Unlocker from the developer’s website.
2. Right-click on the file you want to delete and select "Unlocker" from the context menu.
3. The Unlocker window will appear, displaying the programs that are using the file. Click "Unlock All" to close the programs.
4. Click "Delete" to delete the file.

Pros:

• You can delete a file that is in use by another program.
• Unlocker is a free and easy-to-use tool.

Cons:

• You may not have permission to delete the file due to the file’s write-protected status.
• Using third-party software poses a security risk.

Why Can’t I Delete A File in File Explorer

There are several reasons why you may not be able to delete a file in File Explorer. Here are some of them:

1. The File is in Use by Another Program

A file cannot be deleted while it is being used by another program. Make sure you close all instances of the program that is using the file.

Fix:

You can try to use the Task Manager to force-stop the program or use the command prompt to delete the file.

2. You Do Not Have Adequate Permissions

If you do not have administrative privileges on your Windows account, you may not be able to delete a file.

Fix:

Ensure that you have administrative privileges on your Windows account. You can check your account privileges by opening the "Control Panel" and selecting "User Accounts."

3. The File is Write-Protected

Some files have the "read-only" or "write-protected" attribute, which prevents users from deleting or modifying the files.

Fix:

Right-click on the file and select "Properties." Under the "General" tab, make sure the "Read-only" checkbox is unchecked. Click "Apply" and "OK."

Additional Tips

• Empty the recycle bin regularly to free up disk space.
• Be cautious when deleting system files, as it may cause issues with your system.
• If you accidentally delete a file, you can use file recovery software to retrieve it.

5 FAQs about Deleting a File in File Explorer

Q1: Can I delete a file permanently in File Explorer?

A: Yes, you can permanently delete a file in File Explorer by selecting "Delete" or pressing "Shift + Delete" on your keyboard. The file will not be moved to the recycle bin and will be permanently deleted from your computer.

Q2: How do I delete a folder in File Explorer?

A: To delete a folder in File Explorer, right-click on the folder and select "Delete" from the context menu. If the folder contains files, a confirmation dialog will appear asking if you want to move the files to the recycle bin or permanently delete them.

Q3: How do I delete multiple files at once in File Explorer?

A: To delete multiple files at once in File Explorer, select the files that you want to delete by holding down the "Ctrl" key and clicking on the files. Right-click on one of the selected files and select "Delete" from the context menu.

Q4: What should I do if I accidentally deleted an important file?

A: You can use file recovery software such as Recuva, EaseUS, or Disk Drill to recover deleted files. However, the success rate of file recovery depends on various factors such as the length of time since the file was deleted, the amount of disk space used since the file was deleted, and the type of file.

Q5: Can I delete a file without it going to the recycle bin?

A: Yes, you can delete a file without it going to the recycle bin by pressing "Shift + Delete" on your keyboard. The file will not be moved to the recycle bin and will be permanently deleted from your computer.

In Conclusion

Deleting a file in File Explorer is a basic task that every computer user should know how to do. However, sometimes it can be challenging due to different issues. In this blog post, we have discussed three methods of deleting a file in File Explorer: using File Explorer, using the command prompt, and using third-party software. We have also listed some of the reasons why you may not be able to delete a file and provided the fixes for each situation. Additionally, we have included some tips and FAQs to help you with deleting files in File Explorer.