How to Delete a File or Folder Showing Error "Access Is Denied"

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If you see "Cannot delete <filename>: Access is denied", there are a few ways to delete the files permanently. Make sure the file you're trying to delete isn't currently in use. Here's how to delete a file or folder showing the error "Access is denied".

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Using a Keyboard Shortcut

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  1. It should be highlighted.
    • Keep in mind that this method will permanently delete the file. Back up the files if you want to recover them later. [1]
  2. This keyboard combination will bypass the Recycle Bin and delete the file permanently.
    • Del is different from the backspace key and can be found on the right side of a full-sized keyboard.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Closing Open Files

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  1. The most common cause of this error message is a program currently accessing the file you are trying to delete. For example, if you are trying to delete a document that is currently open in Word, or trying to delete a song that is currently playing. [2]
  2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select "Task Manager" from the menu. Click on the "User Name" tab and find the entries under your username. Most of these programs can be ended without causing the system to crash.
  3. You can do this by selecting them and clicking "End Process."
    • If you close a program that causes the system to become unstable, restart your computer to restore.
  4. Oftentimes, restarting your computer will release the hold that a program had on a specific file. Try deleting the file after you have completed the restart and before you open any other programs. If the file still shows the error message, continue on to the next method.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Using Microsoft Process Explorer Tool

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  1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/process-explorer . It is free-of-cost and portable. No installation is required.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Running a Third-Party Program

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  1. Popular options include Process Explorer, LockHunter, and Unlocker or Lock-UnMatic and Mac OS File Unlocker for Mac. All of these programs are free and integrate into your Windows interface. If you choose to use Unlocker, be wary when navigating their website because there are numerous tricky ads that may lead to malware on your computer. [3]
  2. All of the programs have relatively simple installs. Unzip the file if necessary and open the Setup or Install file. The typical installation settings will work for most users.
    • Some programs may try to install web browser toolbars during the installation. Make sure to deselect these if you don't want new toolbars.
  3. Select the newly-installed tool from the menu. This will open a new window. A list will be displayed showing all of the programs that are currently accessing the file.
  4. Select the program that you want to end and click the "Kill Process" button. Once all of the locking programs are closed, you will be able to delete the file without issue.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Using the Command Prompt

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  1. If you are unable to locate the file, try using the Search option. Click the "Start menu" and enter the file name into the Search field. In Windows 8, start typing the file name when you are at your Start screen.
  2. Remove (uncheck) all the attributes of the file or folder.
  3. You will need to relocate this later when forcibly deleting it in the Command Prompt.
  4. You can do this by clicking on Start and typing “cmd” into the Search field without the quotation marks.
  5. Leave the Command Prompt window open, but proceed to close all other open programs.
  6. You can do this by either pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del and selecting "Task Manager" from the menu or by going to the Start menu, pressing "Run," and then entering "TASKMGR.EXE."
  7. Find the process named “explorer.exe”. Select it and click on "End Process." Minimize, but do not close , Task Manager.
  8. Here you may forcibly delete a file or a folder through employing a basic command line tool. While both files and folders can be deleted in basically the same way, there are subtle differences in the command you will use.
  9. C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name>. This will be in your command prompt.
  10. In the Command Prompt window, enter cd My Documents after Your User Name.
  11. After "My documents," enter the Delete command followed by the name of the file you wish to delete. For example, "del unwanted file.exe."
  12. The final command should look as follows: C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name\My Documents>del unwantedfile.exe [4]
  13. If you are seeking to delete a folder rather than a file, use the "RMDIR /S /Q" command instead of the "del" command. This will look something like this: C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name>rmdir /s /q "C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name\My Documents\unwanted folder" [5]
  14. This will bring you back to Task Manager where you can click File, select New Task and then enter "EXPLORER.EXE" to restart the Windows interface.
  15. The file should now be deleted but you can check by searching for it by going to Start and then entering it into the search bar.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    After I write the proper codes to delete a folder in the command prompt, I get "access is denied" for each and every file inside the folder. Why is this happening, and what do I do to delete the files?
    Community Answer
    You might not have admin rights on the files. Open CMD as an administrator by right-clicking on it and selecting "Run as Administrator."
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    Not Helpful 41 Helpful 5
  • Question
    Is there anything else I can try if this doesn't work and access is also denied in CMD?
    Community Answer
    Try using GS RichCop 360. It will do the job very easily and without any errors or popups. The tool is robust and reliable and its performance is commendable.
    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
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      Tips

      • For more information on DOS Commands, type HELP in Command Prompt window or you can search over Internet.
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      • To move BACK to previous directory in Command Prompt window you can use the following command:
        CD..
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      Warnings

      • This trick will not work if the file to be deleted is being used by some other program. Like an mp3 file that is being played but you want to delete it. In this case close the media player that is playing the file and then delete it.
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      • Don't terminate any other process except "EXPLORER.EXE". If done it can cause undesired results including loss of data, system instability and Operating System to crash, or corrupt.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/topic/-access-denied-when-you-delete-folders-from-a-mounted-drive-212dc103-60e8-e3bc-1d25-e05c5febe12d
      2. ↑ https://superuser.com/questions/13291/how-do-i-delete-a-locked-file
      3. ↑ https://www.guidingtech.com/10175/tools-to-delete-locked-files-in-windows/
      4. ↑ https://mshiyas.wordpress.com/how-to-delete-a-file-or-folder-showing-error-access-is-denied/
      5. ↑ https://mshiyas.wordpress.com/how-to-delete-a-file-or-folder-showing-error-access-is-denied/

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