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Can’t Delete Folder? How to Force Delete Folder in Windows 10/11

Learn how to get rid of unwanted files on your device

7 min. read

Updated onJuly 22, 2024

updated onJuly 22, 2024

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Resolve multiple Windows PC issues and speed up your PC effortlessly with specialized software.

Can’t delete a folder on your PC? You’re in the right place. We outlined straightforward and effective fixes to help you fix this stubborn issue. Just follow the step-by-step guidelines below.

How do I delete a folder that won’t delete Windows 10?

1. Force delete folder in Windows 10 using CMD

Right-click onCommand Promptand selectRun as administrator.
Enterdel, followed by the path of the folder or file you want to delete, as shown in the command below:del c:usersJohnDoeDesktoptext.txt
PressEnterto run the command.
You can repeat the process for all files and folders that you can’t delete by normal means.

If you tried the traditional or removing a folder and it failed, then you need to force delete it. The easiest way to force delete a folder that won’t delete in Windows 10 is via Command Prompt, also known as cmd.

All you need to do is open the tool and input into it a command to remove the folder you want to get rid of, and it will do the job for it.

This method also works for other command line tools such as Powershell, in case you don’t have Command Prompt on your device.

2. Change the Ownership of the file/folder

We have a more in-depth guide ontaking full ownership of a file or folderin case you need more information.

3. Use File Explorer with elevated permissions

Go back to the File explorer and see if you can now delete the folder.

4. Check your antivirus

File protection features in antiviruses can stop you from deleting a folder, even though you have admin rights.

To fix this problem, check your antivirus settings and see if this feature is enabled. If so, disable it for the files you want to delete and check if that solves the issue.

You can also switch your security utility to a reliableantivirus with a high detection ratethat is less likely to mistakenly interrupt your day to day activity.

5. Use Powershell

Another way to enable a disabled administrator account is to use PowerShell.

The problem might be the lack of security privileges if you can’t delete a specific folder on a desktop or other locations. However, you can always try removing those files using a hidden administrator account.

6. Use third-party software to remove locked files

Alternatively, you can utilizePC repairing softwareto help you repair various Windows issues in your system. This is how you can force delete a folder in Windows 10 with software.

7. Remove AMD Uninstall Utility

Sometimes, third-party applications can cause this problem to appear. For example, if you can’t delete files or folders on your PC, the issue might be caused by the AMD Uninstall Utility.

Find this application on your PC and remove it to fix this problem. There are several ways to do that, but the best way is to useuninstaller software.

These tools are designed to remove applications and all files and registry entries associated with the desired application.

After completely removing the problematic application, the issue should be resolved, and you’ll be able to delete files again.

9. Use Microsoft’s Troubleshooter

After the troubleshooter is finished, check if the problem persists.

10. Use Safe Mode

Once you enter Safe Mode, try to delete the problematic file or directory again.

Keep in mind that this is just a workaround, but it can be helpful if you need to remove just a couple of files or folders from a specific directory.

If youcan’t boot into Safe Mode, you can try doing it from the Power Menu or with the help of third-party software.

11. Use the chkdsk command in cmd to check for PC errors

The chkdsk scan will fix any potential errors, and some users reported fixing this problem after performing it, so make sure you try it.

Why can’t I delete a folder on Windows 10?

Here are some of the most common causes that prevent you from deleting a folder in Windows 10:

If you have some alternate solutions for this problem and want to share them with us, please write them down in the comments below. Our readers would love to read it.

Can’t Delete Folder? How to Force Delete Folder in Windows 10/11#

How do I delete a folder that won’t delete Windows 10?#

1. Force delete folder in Windows 10 using CMD#

2. Change the Ownership of the file/folder#

3. Use File Explorer with elevated permissions#

4. Check your antivirus#

5. Use Powershell#

6. Use third-party software to remove locked files#

7. Remove AMD Uninstall Utility#

9. Use Microsoft’s Troubleshooter#

10. Use Safe Mode#

11. Use the chkdsk command in cmd to check for PC errors#