How to delete a file through command prompt

Once you are in the target drive, execute the below command while replacing the dummy path with the actual path you copied earlier. This will take you to the folder where the file is located. Now, execute the below command while replacing fileName. So, I entered the file name along with its. That is it. It is that simple to force delete a file in Windows If you are still receiving errors while deleting the file, it is very probable that Windows is blocking the deletion due to insufficient permissions or some system process is using the target file.

I hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible. Windows 11 Uninstall Clock. Teams Walkie-Talkie. PCI Express 6.

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Mozilla Fights Double Standard. Connect to a Hidden Wi-Fi Network. Change the Size of the Touch Keyboard. Reader Favorites Take Screenshot on Windows. Mount an ISO image in Windows. Part 2. Open Command Prompt. 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. 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.

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. Type in del [filename. Replace "filename.

For example, a picture file named "icecream" would become icecream. For files with spaces in their names, place quotation marks around the entire file name: "I like turtles. To delete all files on your desktop that share the same extension e. 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.

Only files have extensions. Directories are handled differently by the filesystem, and thus do not need extensions. Not Helpful 18 Helpful Some type of virus installed to my PC and won't let me use Command Prompt. What should I do? 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.

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9. When I typed "cd desktop" in Command Prompt's Administrative mode, it shows "the system cannot find the path specified". You should open Command Prompt in its non-Admin format--e. 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.

Not Helpful 6 Helpful This is the command to format the drive write this in notepad and save as anything. Not Helpful 22 Helpful Then you can just delete it easily by accessing the USB. Another way is to boot into safe mode and try to insert your USB and delete it.

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5. Select it and click on "End Task. Not Helpful 27 Helpful