Force Delete Files Using CMD in Windows

Sometimes it can be hard for a user to delete files in Windows, in contrast to pressing the Delete key. There are times when a user sees the error messages like “File in use, “File access blocked,” or “You need permission to perform this action. Seeing such issues can be frustrating, especially if the file serves no purpose and is filling up system storage. Therefore, in such scenarios, Command Prompt (CMD) becomes a reliable solution. 

Here, it allows users to force delete files and folders that cannot be removed using standard methods. Additionally, this gives permission to the users to delete stubborn, locked, or corrupted files or folders directly from the system. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to force delete files using CMD, including the methods to use and common errors to avoid. 

Meaning of Force Delete in Command Prompt

Sometimes it gets difficult for users to delete a file or a folder, especially when a file is locked, corrupted, or not allowed by Windows. When deleting files or folders that do not get deleted in a normal way, in that situation, a user will require the force delete files using CMD. So, by using this, a user can force the files to be deleted directly by the device system. Hence, applying this method can be helpful to get rid of files that won’t go away and cause errors while taking up space on your computer. 

Why Certain Files Cannot Be Deleted 

When a file is corrupted, restricted, or locked on a person’s computer, then such stubborn files cannot be deleted normally. Hence, one must force delete files using CMD. Therefore, it becomes important for users to know the reason why some files cannot be deleted. Given below are some common factors: 

1. When another program is using the file, it cannot be removed.
2. Files marked as read-only cannot be deleted normally.
3. You cannot delete the file because of permission restrictions
4. Some system files cannot be deleted because Windows blocks them
5. Damaged or corrupted files can’t be removed easily.
6. Some programs or harmful software stop files from being deleted.

Easy Methods to Force Delete Files Using CMD

Sometimes it can be a challenge for users to delete a file that cannot be deleted normally. In such a case, simply using a Command Prompt can be the best solution to get rid of this problem. So, by using a few easy commands, it will help you to delete files and folders that are stuck, locked, corrupted, or even when Windows won’t let you remove them normally. Additionally, it will keep your system organized and free from unnecessary files as well. 

#1. Easily Remove Stubborn Files with Third-Party Software

In certain cases, users cannot delete files or folders using normal Windows methods, even when they try to force delete files using CMD. So, in such a situation, it becomes a requirement for users to use a third-party tool like the SysTools Data Wipe Software. Using this tool will not only make your process simple and safe with just a few clicks but also makes sure to permanently remove the selected files. This tool is specially designed to remove locked, read-only, or corrupted files without causing problems to your system. Below are the steps to follow: 

1. Start by downloading and installing a reliable file eraser tool 
2. Then, open the tool and select the files or folders you want to delete.
3. Click on Delete or Erase to permanently remove them.
4. Many tools support batch deletion, so you can remove several files in one go

#2. Delete All Files in a Folder Using CMD

When files are stubborn and cannot be removed through normal methods, then a person can force delete files using CMD. It is one of the quickest and most effective ways to clean up unwanted files that cannot be erased through regular approaches. So, by simply using commands, one can easily wipe all the content of a folder at once with a single command. However, one must be very careful while using CMD, as once deleted, files cannot be recovered easily. 

1. To open CMD, press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter button
2. Type cd folder-path to open your folder in CMD
3. Delete all files in the folder: del *.*
4. Delete all files including subfolders: del /s *.*
5. Force delete without confirmation: del /q *.* or del /s /q *.*
6.  Check the folder is empty by typing: dir

#3. Delete a Folder and Everything Inside It 

When we delete a folder, all the content inside also gets deleted, which means it permanently removes the folder along with all its files and subfolders in one action. So, when a user wants to delete a folder that contains many files that cannot be deleted individually, using this method can easily force delete files using CMD. However, before doing this action, one must be extra careful, as it will remove all data at once. 

1. To open Command Prompt,  press Windows + R, type cmd, and then press Enter
2. Go to the main location of the folder using: cd folder-path
3. Type rmdir /s folder-name to delete the folder and everything inside it.
4. Press Y and hit Enter when asked for confirmation.
5. To force delete without confirmation, use: rmdir /s /q folder-name

Common CMD Errors When Deleting Files

When a person wants to force delete files using CMD, sometimes it can be a challenge for them to encounter errors. Hence, it becomes important for a user to identify common mistakes and quickly apply the right solution without damaging important system files before moving ahead. Some of the common mistakes are as follows:

1. When you don’t have permission to delete the file, or when it is protected
2. Another program is currently using the file, which means it cannot be deleted at that time
3. The file cannot be found when the file path or name is incorrect. 
4. When there are special characters in the file, or the path is too long.
5. Not using the right command options can keep some items in the folder

End Note

As we conclude, we have noticed that when a person erases deleted files using CMD, which cannot be deleted normally is a powerful and effective method. A person might face problems regarding corrupted data, locked files, or blocked by user or system permissions. Hence, choosing the right approach will help the users to remove stubborn files or folders. It is also important to avoid common mistakes when you force delete files using CMD that will provide you direct control over the file system and resolve frustrating deletion issues as well.