How to Delete a File Using Command Prompt

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to delete a file from your PC's desktop by using a command in Command Prompt.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Preparing Your File for Deletion

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you know where the file is, you can navigate to it by simply opening the appropriate folder. For example, if you're trying to delete a picture or a text file, you will likely want to look in the default "Documents" folder, which typically holds those file types.
    • If you don't know where your file is, type its name into the Start search bar, right-click the file when it pops up, and click Open file location to go directly to the file.
  2. Doing so will make the deletion process easier as you won't have to change the deletion location from within Command Prompt.
    • The exception to this rule is if you're trying to delete a file from the "System32" folder, which is Windows' system files folder. If that's the case, leave your file there.
    Advertisement
  3. This will prompt a drop-down menu.
  4. It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
  5. The file's extension is listed near the top of the "General" tab in the "Properties" window, to the right of the "Type of file:" text. You'll need to know your file's extension in order to delete it using Command Prompt. Common extensions include the following:
    • .txt - Text files (files made in Notepad).
    • .docx - Microsoft Word files.
    • .jpg or .png - Picture files.
    • .mov, .wmv, .mp4 - Video files.
    • .mp3, .wav - Sound files.
    • .exe - Executable files (e.g., a setup file).
    • .lnk - Shortcut files. Deleting a shortcut will not remove the attached program from your computer.
  6. Once you know the file extension, you're ready to open and use Command Prompt.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Deleting the File with Command Prompt

PDF download Download Article
  1. In this case, you'll want to avoid the "Administrator" (or "Admin") version of Command Prompt unless you're deleting a file in the "System32" folder. You can open Command Prompt in a variety of ways depending on your version of Windows:
    • Hold down ⊞ Win and press X , then click Command Prompt above the Start button.
    • Right-click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of the screen, then click Command Prompt in the pop-up window.
    • Type "Command Prompt" into the Start menu search bar (for Windows 8, hover your mouse in the top-right corner of the screen and click the magnifying glass), then click the "Command Prompt" icon when it appears.
    • Open the "Run" app from the Start menu, type in "cmd", and click OK .
  2. Doing so will change the location (or "directory") in Command Prompt to your desktop.
    • There are other ways you can change the Command Prompt directory if need be.
    • Opening Command Prompt in "Administrator" mode will change the directory to the "System32" file. For this reason, do not open Command Prompt in "Administrator" unless your file is in the "System32" folder.
  3. Replace "filename.filetype" with your file's actual name and extension.
    • For example, a picture file named "icecream" would become icecream.png , a text file named "notes" would become notes.txt , and so on.
    • For files with spaces in their names, place quotation marks around the entire file name: "I like turtles.jpg" instead of I_like_turtles.jpg or similar.
    • To delete all files on your desktop that share the same extension (e.g., all text files), type *.filetype where "filetype" is the extension (e.g., *.txt ).
  4. You will see a new, blank line appear in Command Prompt. Your file is now gone.
    • Since the "del" command removes files directly from your hard drive, you won't need to delete the file again from the Recycling Bin.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the extension type of a folder?
    Community Answer
    Only files have extensions. Directories are handled differently by the filesystem, and thus do not need extensions.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 31
  • Question
    Some type of virus installed to my PC and won't let me use Command Prompt. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Try running an antivirus program to eliminate the virus. If that doesn't work, you'll probably need to take your computer in to a tech department somewhere (e.g., Best Buy) and have them take a look at removing the virus.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 10
  • Question
    When I typed "cd desktop" in Command Prompt's Administrative mode, it shows "the system cannot find the path specified". What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You should open Command Prompt in its non-Admin format--e.g., "Command Prompt" instead of "Command Prompt (Admin)". Since Command Prompt (Admin) opens inside of the "System32" folder, you won't be able to open the desktop from there (because the "Desktop" folder is under your name in the "Users" folder, not in the "System 32" folder).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 12
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • It is recommended that you use your system's file manager to delete files and only use Command Prompt when it is needed to delete files that require a more forceful approach.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Delete a File or Folder Showing Error "Access Is Denied"
      How to
      Create and Delete Files and Directories from Windows Command Prompt
      How to
      Navigate to a Different Folder in the Command Prompt
      How to
      Format a USB Using CMD (Command Prompt)
      How to
      Change a Windows Password Using Command Prompt
      How to
      Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows
      How to
      Use Windows Command Prompt to Run a Python File
      How to
      Run a Windows Batch File from the Command Line (CMD)
      How to
      Open a Folder in Command Prompt (CMD)
      How to
      Add Users from CMD
      3 Ways to Open Command Prompt with Keyboard on Windows
      5 Simple Ways to Open the Command Prompt in Windows
      How to
      Watch Star Wars via Telnet: Windows CMD & Mac Terminal
      How to
      Copy Files in Command Prompt
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Right-click the Start menu.
      2. Click Command Prompt .
      3. Type "cd FOLDERTHATCONTAINSFILE " and press Enter .
      4. Type "del filename" and press Enter .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 999,744 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement