Alex Ruben
How to Delete Undeletable Files & Folders in Windows 11/10
Struggling to delete files or folders in Windows that seem to be undeletable? In this guide, you’ll learn a straightforward method to remove stubborn items from your system. By following these steps, you will be able to successfully delete files or folders that trigger the “Could not find this item” error, or similar warnings.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
To start, you need to open the Command Prompt. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type
cmdin the search bar. - Click on
Command Promptfrom the search results to open the interface.
Step 2: Execute the Delete Command
Now that you have the Command Prompt open, you can use a specific command to delete the files or folders:
- Type the following command in the Command Prompt, replacing
file or folder location pathwith the actual path of the item you wish to delete: rd /s "\\?\file or folder location path"- Press Enter to execute the command.
Step 3: Confirm the Deletion
After running the command, a prompt may appear asking for confirmation on the deletion:
- If prompted, type
yand hit Enter to confirm the deletion.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth deletion process:
- Make sure you have the correct file or folder path to avoid mistakes.
- Check for any applications that might be using the file or folder and close them beforehand.
- If the Command Prompt runs into an issue, running it as an Administrator might help—right-click the
Command Promptfrom the search and selectRun as administrator.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should now have the ability to delete files and folders in Windows that were previously stubbornly undeletable. This method can be particularly useful when dealing with corrupted or system files. For further assistance with file management, check our other resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I receive an ‘Access Denied’ message?
If you encounter this issue, ensure you are running the Command Prompt as an Administrator. This requires elevated permissions to perform certain actions.
Can this method be used for system files?
Be cautious when attempting to delete system files, as it may affect the operating system’s functionality.
What GUI tools can I use if command line fails?
If you are uncomfortable using the command line, consider using third-party software designed for file management, but ensure they are from reputable sources.
