Fix: Unable to Delete Suspicious File from Windows

Force delete files using the Command Prompt to troubleshoot

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

The presence of suspicious or compromised files on your computer can cause malware or virus infections and infiltration loopholes. However, many users have reported not being unable to delete suspicious files from Windows.

Hence, the troubling question for many users is how do I force delete or remove suspicious files? This guide will provide potential solutions for resolving the issue.

Why am I unable to delete a suspicious file?

Many factors may be responsible for theinability to delete a folderor a file from your Windows computer. Some notable ones are:

Nevertheless, we have some detailed steps you can go through to fix the issues you face when deleting suspicious files. Proceed to the next section to see some.

Check what to do ifFile Explorer deleted files are still showingon your computer.

How do I force delete a suspicious file?

Before anything, try the following preliminary checks:

1. Use Command Prompt to force delete the suspicious file

The/f flagforces deletion without prompting for confirmation and overrides any interference causing the inability to delete the suspicious file. Also, it initiates the file deletion process without permission or security access.

2. Delete files in Safe Mode

Starting Windows in Safe Mode allows it to boot up with minimal drivers and processes. This process helps bypass any system drivers or processes using the file and preventing it from deleting.

If you run into any issues running Safe Mode on your PC, read our guide on what to do ifSafe Mode is not workingon Windows 11.

Finally, you may be interested in our article about how to fixFile Explorer freezing or not responding & more issueson Windows 11.

Fix: Unable to Delete Suspicious File from Windows#

Why am I unable to delete a suspicious file?#

How do I force delete a suspicious file?#

1. Use Command Prompt to force delete the suspicious file#

2. Delete files in Safe Mode#

Fix: Unable to Delete Suspicious File from Windows

Why am I unable to delete a suspicious file?

How do I force delete a suspicious file?

1. Use Command Prompt to force delete the suspicious file

2. Delete files in Safe Mode