How to Delete a Corrupted File in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever tried deleting a file in Windows 11 only to get a stubborn error message like “The file is corrupted and unreadable” or “Cannot delete file: Access denied”? Frustrating, right? Corrupted files are common, and they can happen for many reasons—system crashes, incomplete downloads, malware, or even power failures.

But don’t worry. In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to delete corrupted files in Windows 11, no matter how stubborn they seem.

Table of Contents

Why Files Get Corrupted in Windows 11

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand the root cause.

Interrupted file transfers (USB removal, sudden shutdowns)
Bad sectors on hard drives
Malware or viruses
System crashes while writing/reading a file
Software bugs or power failures

Knowing why it happens helps you avoid future problems.

Common Errors When Deleting Corrupted Files

When you try to delete a corrupted file, you might see:

“The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.”
“Access denied.”
“The file is in use by another program.”
“Cannot delete file: It is open in another application.”

These errors mean the system can’t handle the file normally.

Method 1: Restart Your PC and Try Again

Sometimes, a simple restart releases the file from memory.

Save your work.
Restart your computer.
Locate the corrupted file.
Try deleting it normally (Right-click → Delete or press Shift + Delete).

If it still won’t budge, move to the next step.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt to Force Delete

Windows Command Prompt can delete files when normal methods fail.

Press Windows + S, type cmd, and right-click → Run as administrator.
Type the following command:

/f → Force delete read-only files.
/q → Quiet mode (no confirmation prompts).

Press Enter.

👉 Replace C:\path\to\file.ext with the actual file path.

Method 3: Delete the File Using PowerShell

PowerShell is another powerful tool.

Press Windows + X → Windows Terminal (Admin).
Type:

Hit Enter.

This bypasses restrictions and deletes stubborn files.

Method 4: Boot Into Safe Mode and Delete

Some files are locked because processes keep them active. Safe Mode helps.

Press Windows + I → System > Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Select 4: Enable Safe Mode.
Once Windows loads, try deleting the file again.

Method 5: Use Disk Cleanup and Error Checking

If the file is corrupted due to disk errors:

Run Error Checking

Open File Explorer.
Right-click the drive with the corrupted file → Properties.
Go to the Tools tab → Check.
Fix any detected errors.

Run Disk Cleanup

Press Windows + S → Search Disk Cleanup.
Select the drive.
Check Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and System files.
Click OK.

Method 6: Delete via Task Manager

If the file is locked by a program:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to Processes.
End any suspicious or related tasks (like Word, Media Player, etc.).
Try deleting the file again.

Method 7: Use CHKDSK Command

CHKDSK fixes corrupted sectors that may hold the file.

Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Type:

Press Enter.

👉 Replace C: with the drive letter containing the corrupted file.
This may take time but can fix disk corruption.

Method 8: Rename the File Before Deleting

Sometimes corrupted filenames cause errors.

Right-click the file → Rename.
Change it to something simple, like delete.me.
Try deleting it again.

Method 9: Use a Third-Party Tool

If built-in methods fail, third-party tools can help:

Unlocker
IObit Unlocker
FileASSASSIN

These programs unlock files stuck by system processes and allow deletion.

Method 10: Format the Drive (Last Resort)

If the corrupted file is part of a badly damaged drive:

⚠️ Warning: This erases everything on the drive.

Backup important files.
Open File Explorer.
Right-click the drive → Format.
Choose NTFS or exFAT → Click Start.

The corrupted file will be gone for good.

Tips to Prevent File Corruption in Windows 11

Always safely eject USBs before removing.
Keep Windows updated for stability patches.
Install a good antivirus to block malware.
Use UPS/power backup to prevent sudden shutdowns.
Regularly run Disk Cleanup & Error Checking.

Conclusion

Corrupted files can be frustrating, but they’re not unbeatable. From simple restarts to using Command Prompt, Safe Mode, or specialized tools, you now have multiple ways to delete stubborn corrupted files in Windows 11.

If nothing works, formatting the drive is the ultimate fix—but try all other methods first. The key is patience and using the right tool for the situation.

So next time Windows says “Access denied”, you’ll know exactly what to do.

FAQs

Q1: Can corrupted files damage my computer?
Usually not, but if caused by malware, they can. Always scan with antivirus.

Q2: Why can’t I delete corrupted files in Windows 11?
Because they’re locked by processes, stored in bad sectors, or unreadable by the system.

Q3: What’s the safest method to delete corrupted files?
Using Command Prompt (del /f /q) or Safe Mode ensures safety without damaging other files.

Q4: Do I need third-party tools to delete corrupted files?
Not always—Windows built-in tools usually work. Third-party tools are for extreme cases.

Q5: Can I recover a corrupted file instead of deleting it?
Yes, you can try file repair tools like Stellar Data Recovery or Disk Drill before deleting.