How can I delete a file that Windows has locked?

QI have a file on my desktop that is proving impossible to remove. When I try to delete it, or drag it to my recycle bin, Windows says: ‘The action can’t be completed because the file is open in another program’. Is there any software I can use to get rid of this locked file?

AYou should first try to find out which program has the stubborn file open. Press Ctrl+shift+esc to launch Task Manager and check the Processes tab for a likely culprit. Right-click any programs that may be using the file and select ‘End task’, then try deleting the item again.

If that doesn’t fix the problem, your best bet is a tiny free tool called Thisismyfile. This is specifically designed to unlock and/or delete locked and protected files “with no ifs or buts”, and has just been updated to work in Windows 11.

Download the program from www.snipca.com/40955 and run it – click the Download button at the top of the page then choose the ‘Thisismyfile.zip’ option. You can then either drag and drop the undeletable file into the Files/ Folder box or click the Browse button to find and select it. Click ‘Unlock’ to free the file from the mystery program’s clutches, then click Delete (see screenshot). For particularly stubborn items, select ‘Reboot & Delete’ to shut down your system and remove the file on start-up.

Usefully, Thisismyfile lets you create a copy of the file before deletion, in case it’s something important. You can also add the option to use the program from your rightclick menu – click the Extras menu then select ‘Add to Send-to Explorer Menu’ to open locked files directly in Thisismyfile. If you don’t have any luck deleting the file, try running Thisismyfile in admin mode.

Do you need our advice on what software to use? Just email us at letters@computeractive.co.uk