• Download the program for removing unremovable folders unlocker. How to delete an undeletable file

    Removal malware- this is something that even the most inexperienced user computer. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to remove any unwanted file using the built-in uninstaller. In this case, it is better to use a third-party software.

    Often similar virus applications do not pose a serious threat, they only slow down the PC and install without the user’s consent various programs. The main problem is that antiviruses do not see them.

    If a problem has become that did not exist before, then you should not immediately resort to using a special program. Removing programs (there are also applications in Russian) of this kind can be achieved, as a rule, by disabling all extensions that were previously installed.

    AdwCleaner

    Few professional programmers will name this program the best among others that forcefully remove unwanted utilities. However, it is necessary to diagnose the system and identify problems with its help. Especially if difficulties arise with the operation of the browser: there are no rights to change home page etc. Main advantages this security is that it is distributed absolutely free of charge, there is Russian localization with human translation. Moreover, AdwCleaner's interface is amazingly simple. Even an ordinary “teapot” who has never heard of such a thing as forced removal of programs can figure out the functionality.

    Unlocker

    The Unlocker program is considered one of the best in the business. It will allow you to remove any object that cannot be removed by a regular uninstaller. Often system files report that they are in use or busy with a process. In most cases, it is impossible to understand what is blocking access to it, and rebooting the system does not solve the problem. Russian language support is available. Forced removal of programs using Unlocker is achieved due to the fact that it is capable of unlocking absolutely any file.

    Moreover, this utility will display all applications that are involved in the work. Thanks to this, the user can make the work settings himself.

    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

    An excellent and easy-to-use program that quickly identifies unnecessary and harmful utilities. Its direct purpose is to combat applications that spy on the user and collect all his data. and removal of malware occurs quite quickly and without problems. Moreover, among the auxiliary tools there are utilities that allow you to remove unwanted objects with my own hands. The program is equipped with Russian language support. However, in older versions (before the 2015 updates) the translation is machine-based, while in new versions it is readable.

    FileAssassin

    You can also forcefully remove programs using the FileAssassin utility. It takes up a small amount of disk space, and its functionality is not particularly rich. After installation, the software goes into Explorer and allows you to use it immediately after installation. The “Delete” button will be immediately available in the menu. The only drawback of the utility is that it only applies to English. However, there are not enough options, so there should not be any problems with understanding. The interface is intuitive.

    HitmanPro

    Even the capricious user will enjoy the lightweight HitmanPro utility. It will not only forcefully remove programs, but also rid the PC of all the garbage that they left on the system. It works quite quickly, without problems or errors. The version downloaded from the Internet is paid, but the developers give you a month free use for reference. This is enough to get rid of unwanted objects. It can be used in conjunction with other software aimed at getting rid of virus files, and user reviews confirm this.

    LockHunter

    It is immediately necessary to note the advantage of this utility - it has built-in protection against the destruction of important system data. It will never allow an incompetent user to tear it down important object. Removing programs that cannot be removed is its main purpose. LockHunter has a feature called incomplete liquidation. It allows you to move to a special system recycle bin files that are suspicious. In this case, they are in quarantine. A little later, the user will be able to carefully weigh everything and decide whether to delete it or not.

    EMCO UnLock IT

    This software is built into the system, and a person can call it using the context menu. Forced removal of programs is not the main function of the utility, although it also copes with it very well. EMCO is often used to stop a process or stop an application from running. If the object produces an error, the utility will display full list reasons that can be removed manually. It also deals with DLL files and encrypted information.

    Isn't it a sad situation when you want to delete a file or folder, but the system complains and does nothing? Isn't it sad when you see painfully familiar messages like this:

    • Access denied
    • The file is being used by another user or program
    • The source or destination file is used in at the moment
    • The file is already in use by another program or user
    • *Some scary list of problems with numbers and codes*
    • Make sure the disc is not write protected
    • etc.

    What are the solutions? First, you can reboot the system to finally delete the file. Second, disable everything, including stopping services, for example, through the task manager, until the unfortunate process that was blocking access to the file is found. The best solution will be used special programs, which will save you both time and nerves. They can not only delete non-deletable files, but also move and rename them. And just as important, remove the blocking.

    Review of free programs for removing undeletable files

    Unlocker works wonders in deleting undeletable files

    With a small enough size, the program works wonders. It contains in a simple and understandable form everything you need to delete undeletable files. This includes stopping processes, renaming/deleting/moving files (if necessary when rebooting the system), unlocking, unloading dlls. Just a fairy tale. Undoubtedly claims to be best utility for working with locked files.

    It's easy to work with her. Simply right-click on the file or folder that is locked. Select Unlocker from the context menu. And you will see all the processes and programs that are blocking the file share. Then you just need to select the desired action and indicate what to do with the processes (kill or unblock). Everything is done. At the same time, it’s hard not to notice that the interface is made as convenient as possible. And just as important, there is a clear presence of the necessary minimalism.

    The program comes with Unlocker Assistant, which runs in the system tray. If you are trying to delete, rename or move a file that is locked (undeletable), the utility will automatically launch Unlocker itself.

    Unlocker comes for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. There is also a portable version.

    Blocked file removal program LockHunter alternative to Unlocker

    A good alternative to Unlocker is a program for removing locked files, which can be launched either separately or from the Windows Explorer context menu.

    The user interface is somewhat more cluttered than the Unlocker interface. Visually it looks beautiful, but if you often have to deal with the problem of file locking, then this interface will seem a little inconvenient to you. The program has approximately the same functionality as Unlocker, i.e. working with locks, processes, etc. It also supports 64-bit systems. A plus can be considered fairly frequent program updates (at least in lately), taking into account the specific speed of development of this class of programs.

    FileASSASSIN program removes unremovable files without problems

    Another program for removing undeletable files. Launched separately or via context menu. It is worth noting its minimal size, which gives it a certain advantage. When accessing from the Explorer context menu, you will be given a choice of two options: “Delete file using FileASSASSIN” and “Unlock file using FileASSASSIN”. Not many, but nevertheless they represent the most basic operations. It is important to note that this is not all that the utility can do. In terms of functionality, it is not inferior to the previous two programs.

    When using FileASSASSIN, you must always remember that the utility always deletes files bypassing the recycle bin. This important difference from the Unlocker and LockHunter utilities (they allow you to delete and move to the trash). If you forget about this, you will definitely remember in colorful terms when you accidentally delete a file that is important to you.

    Other products (but they are hardly worth using):

    • Pocket Killbox (site unavailable) runs from an executable file. Couldn't delete a locked file during testing.
    • EMCO UnLock IT is under active development. Slows down. It was a little strange to see the message "The selected resource is not locked by any application" for a locked file.
    • UnlockMe (site unavailable) only allows you to unlock a file. Works great on XP, but Windows case 7 could not unlock the test file.

    Quick selection guide (download a free program to remove unremovable files)

    Unlocker

    Small size. Minimal and clear user interface. Availability portable version. Can stop processes, remove locks, unload dlls. Can be deleted when the system is rebooted. An indispensable tool.
    The installer contains unwanted software.

    LockHunter

    Beautiful interface. Its functionality is similar to Unlocker.
    There is nothing critical.

    Often, users have to deal with such an unpleasant phenomenon as “undeletable” folders and files. The reasons for their appearance can be very diverse, from software error to the targeted action of the virus, but their essence boils down to one thing - retention by some visible or hidden process.

    In some cases, a simple system reboot is quite sufficient to eliminate such a problem, but it also happens that a file or folder stubbornly refuses to be deleted under any circumstances.

    Attempting to delete an object regular means ends in failure. In this case, the user may receive various messages, for example, that the file is being used by another application. But, for example, such messages can cause attempts to delete folders with DOS-reserved names.

    Of course, if you are an expert command line and you understand perfectly the principle of operation operating system Windows, you may be able to quickly find the right solution, but what about simple users who are completely unprepared for such surprises?

    The solution, as always, is simple - use special utilities to remove blocked objects.

    Unlocker

    Unlocker is perhaps the most famous Russian-language utility for deleting “undeletable” folders and files. Lightweight, free and extremely easy to use, Unlocker can easily handle even the most complex objects. The utility allows you to delete, move and rename folders and files blocked by system processes. The program will be useful in cases where an object is used by another application, with access rights restrictions, violations sharing and other common mistakes.

    In particularly difficult situations, when the file cannot be deleted immediately, Unlocker will offer to delete it the next time the system reboots. The utility's functions are controlled from the Explorer context menu. When installing the program, third-party modules, for example QuickStores bar, may be integrated into the system, so be careful and uncheck the corresponding boxes in the installation wizard window.

    Any File Remover

    Any File Remover – free utility to remove blocked objects. Unlike Unlocker, Any File Remover does not move or rename files, it simply deletes them. The utility works quickly, cleanly and without rebooting the system. Supports creating a list of objects to be deleted, manual setting rewrite method. Disadvantages include the lack of integration into the Explorer context menu, the inability to select an entire folder for deletion, and the absence of the Russian language, although during installation the user is asked to select the Russian language.

    MoveOnBoot

    Free program for deleting and renaming locked folders and files. MoveOnBoot has colorful graphical interface with support for changing themes and a rich set of additional functions. Can be used to remove faulty applications and even viruses that the antivirus program could not remove.

    The application has a built-in Removal Wizard and supports working with system registry. Deleting, renaming and moving locked folders and files in MoveOnBoot is only possible after a subsequent system reboot, which is actually the main drawback of this program. The low popularity of MoveOnBoot was also contributed to by its heavy weight, lack of Russian language and integration into the Explorer context menu.

    File Governor

    File Governor - simple, convenient and free program for deleting “uncooperative” folders and files, a good analogue of Unlocker.

    “Indications for use” are the use of the object being deleted by a user or another application, access violations, as well as some other deletion errors.

    File Governor also supports integration into Explorer, copying a file to a specified directory, searching for locked files in selected directories, forcing the end of processes, logging, and unlocking selected files.

    The utility has a simple interface, is lightweight, and works with most versions of Windows OS. There is no Russian language.

    FileASSASSIN

    A very light, simple and free program from the famous company Malwarebytes. Its capabilities are comparable to the Unlocker utility. Several methods can be used to open access to a file.

    Built into the Explorer context menu, FileASSASSIN creates two separate items: Delete file using FileASSASSIN (forcefully delete a file) and Unlock file using FileASSASSIN (unlock, but do not delete). You can also schedule files to be deleted at a later date. reboot Windows. The main disadvantage of the utility is the lack of Russian language.

    Conclusion

    The utilities presented in this review are far from the only ones of their kind. There are many other, both simple and completely exotic tools and methods for solving the problem of “undeletable” folders and files.

    We will give just one example.

    Get full access To file system, which means that ordinary boot disks on Linux based with built-in file manager.

    By booting from such a disk, you can delete, move or rename any file or folder without any problems.

    Many files in Windows system are blocked from deletion, as they may entail a series of changes. Deleting such files and folders is highly not recommended so as not to harm the entire operating system, however, if you are an experienced and confident computer user, you can try to get rid of such files. In addition, many programs and applications leave behind undeletable files, which, in turn, can take up an impressive amount of memory. This “garbage” of programs must first be unblocked special software, only then can it be deleted like a regular file. In this article you will learn how to remove residual files, as well as eliminate the causes of some blockages.

    How to Delete an Undeletable File: Check Processes in Task Manager

    Even a simple photo or you will not be able to erase the picture while it is running in the system processes. For example, you just watched a movie and want to delete it from your computer, but Windows gives you an error. Most likely, your video file remains running in the player and simply cannot be deleted for this reason. Go to the task manager and make sure that you do not have any processes open that might be using the undeletable file.

    • Press combination CTRL keys+ SHIFT + ESC on the keyboard. A window called “Dispatcher” will open in front of you. Windows tasks" Here you can see everything running applications, stop them or close them altogether.
      Go to the “Processes” tab.
    • Take a close look at what processes you have open. Perhaps one of them is using the correct file.
      To close this process, left-click on it once and click on the “End process” button in the lower right corner.
    • The process will be stopped and the file will be freed. Now delete the required file as usual. Windows more it won't hurt you.


    How to delete an undeletable file: cleaning the registry

    A file that remains in the registry or is somehow associated with it cannot be deleted from the computer. Before cleaning the registry, think carefully about whether you have the skills to do it. There are two cleaning options: do it yourself and through specially created computer cleaning programs. The first method is suitable experienced users, it is more reliable.

    Cleaning the registry yourself

    Open the search bar by clicking on Start in the Explorer menu.


    • IN search bar write “regedit” and press Enter to start searching. At the top you will see the file you are looking for, click on it with the mouse.


    • The editor will open in front of you Windows registry. You need to work with this window very carefully and know for sure which files are preventing you from deleting a folder or other file on your computer. The essence of the work is as follows: you find in the registry the folder that has not been removed from the program or uses the required file and delete it.
    • Folders are divided into system, program and user. Find the one you need using the menu on the left and delete.


    Cleaning the registry with special programs

    To save precious time and not delete unnecessary things, there are special utilities for working with junk on your computer. One of the most popular such programs is called CCleaner. Download it from the developer’s official website to completely remove programs, clean the registry, clear browser caches and other utilities.

    • Visit the official website at http://ccleaner.org.ua/download and click on the field to download the program. It is possible to download two versions: portable and regular. The portable version is not installed on your computer, and you can transfer it to a flash drive or disk for use on other computers.


    • Installing the software will only take a couple of minutes. Just follow all the instructions on the screen.
    • Open the program after installation and go to the “CCleaner” tab. There will be a section “Windows”, in it you need to check the first five items in the section “ Windows Explorer” and seven in “System”. This way you will clear the cache, recycle bin, registry and others extra files, slowing down your computer and preventing you from deleting files.
    • Click on the “Run Cleaner” button and wait until it finishes. Try deleting your file now.


    How to delete an undeletable file: Unlock the file

    Many programs lock their files so that they cannot be deleted even after the software is completely erased from the computer. Typically, these files are designed to store information about the previous settings and program logs so that you can restore them if you want to install the software again. You can unlock such files only with special utilities, here is a small list for your choice:

    • FileAssassin is a free program that is distributed freely. It will be used in this article as an example.
    • Unlocker is the most popular program to unlock files, can remove block even from some system folders and files.
    • LockHunter allows you to work in the program also as in the task manager, stopping all unnecessary processes.
    • IObit Unlocker. The program supports Russian language.

    Go to the official FileAssassin website to download and click “Download”.


    In the folder where all your downloaded files are saved, find and double-click on the file FileAssassin.exe


    The installation process is not much different from other programs:

    • Select the installation directory.
    • Agree to the license agreement.


    After the installation is complete, check the box next to the words “Run FileAssassin” and click “Finish”.


    The program will open itself. On the first line you need to specify the file that is not being deleted. Click on the three dots on the right side of the window.

    Select a file and click “Open”.


    Make sure that “Attempt FileAssassin’s method of file processing” is selected and the first three sub-items are checked. Click “Execute”.


    That's it. The lock on the file is completely removed, you can erase it like a regular file using the Delete key.


    In most cases, when working on a computer, no problems arise with deleting folders, documents and other files. They can be easily deleted with the “Delete” button, from the menu by right-clicking the mouse, or by dragging them onto the “Trash” icon.

    However, in some cases, programs and files become deeply embedded in the system or have some restrictions that prevent you from getting rid of them in the usual way. The question immediately arises of how to remove an uninstallable program from a computer, what programs and system capabilities can be used for this.

    It should be noted that any problematic files and programs can be removed. The only question is how tightly they hold onto the computer and how much effort will have to be spent on the whole process.

    Why are the files not deleted?

    Often it will never be possible to fully find out what exactly was the initial reason for the inability to delete a program or file.

    The most common reasons are the following:

    1. The file is currently in use by an application and cannot be deleted until that program is closed
    2. The program or file was blocked by the antivirus from performing any actions for security purposes.
    3. The file will not be deleted if it is in use or running on another computer from local network(the same restrictions apply as in the first paragraph).
    4. The file may be required and used by the system itself.
    5. Restrictions may be placed on the system itself - for example, write protection on the device.
    6. There are simply no administrator rights in this account required for removal.

    Important! Files, applications and actions that require administrator rights in Windows 7 and Windows 10 are marked with a corresponding icon and display a pop-up window when you try to uninstall, informing you that you do not have rights to do this action.

    Simple solution

    As always, the most ingenious solutions to a problem are also the simplest. If problems arise with deleting something, the first action is to simply restart the computer.

    At the time of reboot, several reasons for the inability to remove files are eliminated: programs that could use it are closed, the number of system processes and programs used by them is reduced.

    Safe Mode in Windows

    If a regular reboot does not help, you should try removing unnecessary items in the system’s safe mode. In Windows 7, the ability to select the operating system boot mode appears after pressing the F8 key when starting the computer. At 10 Windows versions V safe mode It is somewhat more difficult to enter, but usually there are no problems either.

    If all this does not help and persistent files continue to take up space on your computer and do not want to leave it, you will need a program that deletes undeletable files.

    Important: As already mentioned, there are many reasons for problematic files. It is not always possible to guess what is needed and you can eliminate it on the first try. You may need to use multiple programs. Plus, some older versions of programs may not work correctly in Windows 10.

    Total Commander

    At its core Total Commanderfile manager, and not a program for dealing with problematic files. However, this particular program is distinguished by a clear interface and the ability to bypass a number of operating system restrictions, including Windows 10. If the problem was precisely the restrictions on the part of Windows, then help Total Commander the selected file can be easily deleted.

    When you need to delete undeletable files, the first thing that comes to mind is a program called Unlocker. After installing it, when you right-click on the file, a new item will appear in the menu with the corresponding inscription.

    After clicking on the “Unlocker” option in Windows 10, a window appears with a list of processes. These are processes that are currently using a specific file, preventing it from being deleted.

    There are two solutions here:

    Terminate the process completely, allowing you to perform any actions with the freed file.

    Unblock a process, preventing it from imposing restrictions on executable file. This option is preferable, although in some cases deleting a file in use will still damage the progress of the process and cause it to close.

    FileASSASIN

    If the question of which program to use to delete a file remains relevant, the next program on the list should be FileASSASIN.

    The program is also built into the Explorer menu after installation and makes it possible to delete folders and files used by any processes or applications.

    Works both for restrictions on the part of system processes and for user applications.

    LockHunter

    LockHunter is a great option for deleting files, suitable for almost all users. As with other programs, a file deleted using LockHunter will never bother you again.

    But at the same time, the program has system protection, that is, when looking for a solution to how to remove an uninstallable program, the user will not be able to remove required Windows files and thereby harm its operation.

    IObit Unlocker

    A program that copes well with any errors when, when trying to delete, a window pops up with restrictions: the file is busy, in use, anything else? IObit Unlocker will easily bypass the restrictions and erase the file from the system.

    All programs discussed in the article for removing blocked files, programs and their traces have their own characteristics and functionality. Personally, I use the unlocker program for these purposes.

    How do you delete undeletable files? I look forward to your answers in the comments.