Reliable 3 Ways to Force Delete Files in Windows 10

By Sophia | Last Updated January 03, 2024

"There is a file in my Windows 10 laptop that I can't delete, no matter how many times I try! When I delete it, I just receive a prompt that it is in use. How can I force delete the file in use in Windows 10?"

When you are stuck with the trouble that you can't delete some undeletable files in Windows 10, you can try the several tricks here to fix the problem firstly.

• Restart your Windows 10 PC and then delete the stubborn file again, which is the easiest way and works most of the time.
• End the program process that is using the undeletable file and remove the file. This way help to delete the file in use greatly.
• Use Windows File and Folder Troubleshooter to troubleshoot the file-deletion feature of your Windows 10. Then, try to delete the file that can't be deleted before.

If the stubborn files are still undeletable, you can use the following 3 ways to force delete files in Windows 10.
Tips: If you aren't good at operating the Windows OS or want to force delete files as easily as possible, Way 2 is strongly recommended for you.

1. 1. Force Delete Files in Windows 10 Using CMD
2. 2. Force Delete Files in Windows 10 with iSunshare File Deletion Genius
3. 3. Force Delete Files in Windows 10 via Safe Mode

1. Force Delete Files in Windows 10 Using CMD

Command Prompt(CMD) is a useful tool for us to manage Windows OS and you can try to delete the undeletable file with the help of it.

Step 1: Type CMD in the start menu and run it as an admin.

Step 2: Enter del and location of the file you want to force delete (e.g. del c:\users\pc\desktop\note.txt). Then press Enter in the keyboard to execute the command.

2. Force Delete Files in Windows 10 with iSunshare File Deletion Genius

As a professional Windows file shredder, iSunshare File Deletion Genius works well on deleting files permanently. Furthermore, it can force delete files without a hitch. You can download the software and follow the steps below to try it.

Step 1: Get iSunshare File Deletion Genius in your Windows 10 PC.

Step 2: Lanuch the software and click Add to input the undeletable file. You can also drag and drop the stubborn file to the user interface.

Step 3: Choose the deletion mode in the lower-left corner and the Slow Mode is suggested to select. After that, just hit Delete to force delete the file.

Now, the undeletable file has been deleted from your Windows 10 computer permanently.

3. Force Delete Files in Windows 10 via Safe Mode

Safe mode is a diagnostic mode which enables you to troubleshoot Windows OS. You can attempt to force delete files in it.

Step 1: Select the Settings option in the start menu.

Step 2: Click Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now under Advanced startup.

Step 3: In the Choose an option interface, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Step 4: After the Windows 10 PC restarts, press F4 or 4 to enter the safe mode.

Step 5: In the safe mode, delete the file that can't be deleted before and then restart your PC to exit the safe mode.

Related Articles:

• How to Make Deleted Files Unrecoverable in Windows 10
• How to Delete A File in Use by Another Program
• Windows Trick: How to Delete Undeletable Files within 3 Steps
• [No Recovery] How to Permanently Delete Files from Windows Computer