This passage will focus on how to delete files on Windows 11 and the way to force delete files. It also offers a tip to recover deleted files Windows 11 if you accidentally remove them.
Deleting files is a regular practice for users in their daily lives, as it offers numerous benefits. In daily use, by clearing out unnecessary files, users can create more space on their devices, ensuring they don't run out of storage for new photos, videos, and documents. This step also helps maintain an organized and clutter-free digital environment making users to quickly locate and access the files they need.
People sometimes also use it to delete sensitive files such as old financial records or personal information adds an extra layer of security, protecting users' privacy and preventing potential breaches.
Furthermore, deleting files plays a pivotal role in effectively resolving software conflicts, clearing malware and viruses and improving system performance by removing the files that have a negative impact on your computer.
However, something uncontrollable also happens when people delete files. For example, some stubborn and hidden files cannot be cleared out by simply clicking the “delete” button, and we need to adopt special measures to fix that. Now, please keep reading to follow the guidance on how to delete files on Windows 11 effectively and easily.
When it comes to how to delete files Windows 11, many users will directly right-click the targeted files and choose the "Delete" option. However, using this method cannot delete the stubborn files or that in the hidden storage path. If you want to deeply delete the files, you can try to use the Command Prompt (CMD) or a reliable third-party software to locate or batch the hidden files which can automate file deletion tasks.
Generally, you can utilize the CMD to meet your own requirements by typing different command lines. In this part, we will share two kinds of orders for distinctive file deletion demands.
▌Fix 1. Force delete stubborn files with CMD
Notice: • Once the files in use, in hidden location, or in the conflict situation with other programs, this method may be not available • Please be aware that using this method will bypass the Recycle Bin and permanently remove the file. If you need to recover a deleted file, you will need to utilize data recovery software to attempt restoration.
Step 1. Press "Win+R" simultaneously, then input "cmd" and press "Enter" to launch CMD as an administrator.
Step 2. In the CMD window, type "del /f /q /a [file directory]" and press "Enter" to delete the specified file.
Note: • /f = delete read-only files • /q = turn off delete confirmation • /a = delete archived files and folders.
▌Fix 2. Delete large and hidden files with CMD Step 1. In the search bar. Type "CMD" and right-click the Command Prompt icon, then select "Run as administrator".
Step 2. Input "cd C:\" and press "Enter" to search the whole C drive.
Step 3. Then, input "forfiles /S /M * /C "cmd /c if @fsize size echo @path > largefiles.txt". Please replace size with the size of the target file in bytes(B). For example, if the files you are searching for larger than 1GB(1,073,741,824 B), you should type in "forfiles /S /M * /C "cmd /c if @fsize GEQ 1073741824 echo @path > LargeFilesList.txt" and then hit the "Enter" key.
Step 4. After the process, a folder named "LargeFilesList" will be created. You can delete files from the folder.
With using CMD, we can find it is trouble enough to compute the size of files or deal with special cases like finding the conflicted or hidden files. In fact, there is a much easier choice that can help you easily and quickly delete the files and avoid the troubles.
AOMEI Partition Assistant is a multifunctional and robust software that can help users easily solve computer issues. About how to delete all files on Windows 11, it can provide no more than one solution. For example, the functions of "Wipe partition" and "Shred files" can quickly force delete all files on your partition within a few steps, including the hidden and stubborn files. If you just want to delete large files, it can also make it available.
The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer
▌Fix 1. Delete all files via wiping partition
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, click the "Wipe" main tab and select "Wipe Partition" option. (You can also right-click the partition you want to wipe and select the "Wipe Partition" option.)
Step 2. Select the partition you want to wipe and click "OK" to continue.
In this stage, you can also select a wiping method to wipe the selected partitionaccording to your requirements and click "OK". (By default, the wiping method is Fill in 0.)
Step 3. You can preview the shrink operation by viewing the "Pending Operations". To commit the "Pending Operations", please click "Apply" and "Proceed".
Once the partition is erased, you will observe that it transforms into unallocated space. Additionally, with this tool, you have the capability to either merge the unallocated space with the C partition or create a new partition.
▌Fix 2. Shred Files to force delete stubborn files The precision and efficiency of the "Shred Files" function allow users to selectively delete specific files or entire folders with confidence. With a user-friendly interface and comprehensive disk management capabilities, it can provide a reliable and streamlined solution for users to dispose of sensitive documents, erase confidential records, or ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, thereby safeguarding their privacy and protecting sensitive information.
Warning: This way will remove files with zero-filling and the deleted files are hard to be recovered even using data recovery software.
Step 1. Run AOMEI Partition Assistant. In the main interface, click “Wipe” on the top toolbar and choose “Shred Files”.
Step 2. In the pop-up window, click “Add Files” or “Add Folder” to add the files or folder that you want to delete permanently.
Step 3. Choose “Write Zero” as the shredding method.
Step 4. Click the "Shred" button to begin and click "Yes".
Inadvertently erasing critical files may happen to some users when deleting files. But the Professional Edition can easily solve this problem. It provides a powerful feature known as "Recover Data," which is designed to assist users in recovering important files that have been accidentally deleted. It takes advantage of file recovery in these aspects:
By utilizing this function, users can regain access to their valuable files, ensuring data integrity and minimizing potential data loss risks.
In short, it is easy to know how to delete files on Windows 11 for ordinary files. But we still should pay attention to the hibernated and stubborn files behind. Actually, with AOMEI Partition Assistant, you can directly delete all the files you want to erase rather than spend extra time and energy on learning how to force delete a file Windows 11.
It also offers a comprehensive set of disk management tools, such as migrating OS to SSD, moving apps to extend drive space, and converting system disks between MBR and GPT. For Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012(R2) users, you can choose the Server Edition to effectively manage your device.