Deleting files and folders on Windows 11 can sometimes be quite a task, especially when you are faced with stubborn files that simply refuse to be deleted. This could be as a result of the file being in use by a program, or it could be protected by your antivirus software or your operating system, making it difficult for you to delete or move it. However, there are some workarounds you can try to force delete the folder or file. In this article, we will be discussing how to force delete a folder or file on Windows 11.

1. Use Task Manager to End a Process

If you have a file that is being used by a program, you can try to end the process using task manager before deleting the file. To do this, follow the steps below:

i. Right-click on your taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the options presented.

ii. Look for the program that is using the file you want to delete, select it, and click on the “End task” button.

iii. Try deleting the file again. If it still doesn’t work, proceed to the next step.

2. Use Command Prompt to Delete the File

Another way to force delete a file in Windows 11 is to use the command prompt. Here’s how:

i. Press the Windows Key and R together to open the Run dialog box.

ii. Type “cmd” in the search box and press Enter.

iii. In the Command Prompt window, navigate to the folder containing the file you want to delete using the “cd” command. For example, if the file is saved in the Downloads folder, type “cd Downloads”.

iv. Type “del /f ” in the command prompt, where “” is the name of the file you want to delete. Press Enter.

v. If the file is in use, you will see an error message prompting you to close the program that is using the file.

vi. If the file is not in use, it will be deleted immediately.

3. Use Safe Mode

If the above methods fail, you can try to delete the file in safe mode. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode in which Windows 11 starts with a minimum set of drivers and services, making it easier to troubleshoot issues. Here’s how to start Windows 11 in safe mode:

i. Press the Windows key and I together to open Settings.

ii. Click on Update & Security.

iii. Click on Recovery, under “Advanced startup”, click on “Restart now”.

iv. On the “Choose an option” screen, select “Troubleshoot”.

v. Click on “Advanced options”.

vi. Select “Startup settings”, then click on “Restart”.

vii. When your PC restarts, choose “Safe Mode” or “Safe Mode with Networking”.

viii. Once you are in safe mode, try to delete the file or folder again.

In conclusion, these are some of the ways to force delete a folder or file on Windows 11. However, it is recommended to be cautious when trying to delete files and folders, especially if they are important, as you may lose valuable data if not done correctly. It is always best to create a backup of your files before deleting them.