Technology

How to Delete Locked Folders? Quick & Simple Methods

Summary: Have you ever experienced locked folders issues? If not, don’t panic! Users get stuck & feel irritated particularly when they are in the process of deleting files or cleaning up unwanted files from storage devices. In this article, we are going to see how your folders get locked & different methods to delete locked folders from your system easily.

If you are having some issue with the external storage device, have a look into how to delete corrupted folder in external Hard drive? for a detailed solution.

Why Does Folder Get Locked? Reasons Behind

First, users should know the real cause of folders getting locked or not accessible. Let’s get to know about all these points:

• Your required folders are in use by a process or an application.
• This usually occurs when the user does not have the correct permissions to delete locked folders.
• There are certain file folders that protect from accidental deletion.
• Locked folders may not be removable during disinfection.
• File system error or corruption can also make folders get locked.
• The directory may be marked as hidden or system.

How to Delete Locked Folders? Manual Methods

There are six methods to remove locked folders from your PC. Try each one of them to ensure permanent deletion.

#1. Close Applications Using Folders 

A folder is locked when another active program or background process is using it.

Simply follow these steps:

1. To open Task Manager, hold down Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Then, on the Processes tab search to see what background applications are accessing files within the folder (File Explorer, Word, VLC..etc)
3. Choose the process which you are not using and hit the End Task button.
4. Attempt to delete the folder now.

Important: If uncertain, you can restart your PC and attempt to delete the folder right after your PC powers on.

#2. Restart Your PC in Safe Mode

Using safe mode you can load files with just a few steps and drivers. This can sometimes force it past whatever’s holding the folder back & can delete locked folders.

1. Type msconfig and hit Enter.
2. Then, press on the Boot option that is on the window of the system configuration.
3. Check Safe boot, and select the Minimal option.
4. Apply > OK and restart your PC.
5. Boot to Safe Mode and go to the folder you want to delete, and try deleting it.
6. Go back to msconfig and ensure to uncheck Safe boot and then restart normally.

Note: Remember not to delete system files even in Safe mode.

#3. Delete Locked Folders Using Command Prompt

If the folder is locked and you can’t delete it due to permission issues, then use Command Prompt to take ownership and also force delete.

Steps to follow:

1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator, then:

2. You need to hit the window icon button on the below left corner, then type Command Prompt, and right click to Run as Administrator mode.

3. Run the following commands in order – replace C:\Path\To\Folder with your folder path:

takeown /f “C:\Path\To\Folder” /r /d y

icacls “C:\Path\To\Folder” /grant administrators:F /t

rd /s /q “C:\Path\To\Folder”

takeown gives you ownership.

icacls for giving admin full control.

rd /s /q deletes the folder and its contents even if it’s not empty.

Note: These commands are fine targeted at non-system folders.

#4. Run File Explorer as Administrator

Elevating privileges and using File Explorer can also get you through loop holes.

Quick steps:

1. Hit Win + E which opens File Explorer.
2. Then, close it immediately.
3. Open Start Menu icon, go to file explorer with right click, or Taskbar, then Run as administrator.
4. Navigate to the locked folder and try to delete it.

This is useful if you need admin rights to delete it.

#5. Change Folder Permission Manually

If you want to set the folder permissions, the GUI can help you out manually delete locked folders.

Steps given below:

1. If a folder is locked, you can right click on the folder > Properties.
2. Browse to the Security tab > click Advanced.
3. Alter the Owner to be your existing user.
4. View to Add > your username > Full Control.
5. Lastly, tap on the OK button and try to delete the folder continuously.

Handy when you are unable to delete while the folder is locked.

#6. Quick & Fast Way to Delete Locked Folders

If you are searching for the easiest way to remove locked folders, opt for PCVITA File Eraser Software, one of the best solutions ever produced. This utility will permanently delete locked or hidden folders while making it impossible to recover the data. It bypasses existing digital data security measures and deletes files with the strength of either the government or military provision. It provides a preview function to check the selected files before deletion. Users will accomplish wiping with this easy to use interface with higher wiping levels.

Conclusion

If you want to delete locked folders, then it is not that difficult and is easy to delete. Whether it is due to restrictive permissions, error messages, persistent running processes or locked system files. You can regain control with the use of safe mode, command prompt or task manager. Just make sure never to delete a system important or an app related directory in case some issues arise. If you are not able to remove locked folders, then it is recommended using a professional tool for this.