How to Force Delete Files Using CMD in Windows Safe Mode

Windows Explorer is the built-in file manager that allows users to delete files from their hard drives. However, it has certain limitations that may restrict user control. In some cases, Windows Explorer may prevent you from deleting or modifying files, even when they are not system files.

Using the command line can sometimes be the best solution. Administrators can use the del command to force the removal of files from the system. Although Windows Explorer works in most situations, computers infected with malware may require more advanced controls to eliminate the threat. For the best results, use the del command in Safe Mode.

Steps to Force Delete Files Using CMD in Windows Safe Mode

1. Restart your computer. Press F8 during startup to open Windows Advanced Boot Options.

2. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode, then press Enter to start Windows in Safe Mode.

3. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, or click Start and select Run from the menu. Type cmd.exe without quotation marks in the dialog box, then click OK.

4. Type the following command in the Command Prompt and press Enter to navigate to the root directory of the drive:

cd\

5. Enter the following command at the Command Prompt:

del /f [drive]:[folder path][filename].[file extension]

Replace [drive], [folder path], [filename], and [file extension] with the appropriate details for your system.

6. Press Enter to force the deletion of the file. If prompted to confirm the deletion, press Y.