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

By / September 22, 2025

If you’ve ever tried to delete a file in Windows 11 and got an error message saying it’s corrupted, unreadable, or in use, you know how frustrating it can be. Corrupted files not only waste storage space but can also slow down your system, cause software errors, or even pose security risks. Don’t worry—this step-by-step guide on how to delete a corrupted file in Windows 11 will walk you through multiple proven methods to fix the problem.

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Corrupted files can happen due to sudden shutdowns, malware, or disk errors.

  • You can delete corrupted files using Windows Explorer, Command Prompt, Safe Mode, or third-party tools.

  • Methods include force deletion, using chkdsk, disabling background processes, or repairing disk errors.

  • Always back up important files and run antivirus scans before deleting.

What Is a Corrupted File in Windows 11?

A corrupted file is one that becomes unreadable or damaged, preventing Windows from accessing or deleting it properly. This happens when the file’s structure is altered due to crashes, malware, or hardware issues. Think of it like a book with missing pages—you can’t read or remove it normally.

Why Do Files Get Corrupted in Windows 11?

Several factors can cause file corruption:

  • 💾 Sudden system shutdowns — power loss while saving files.

  • 🦠 Malware or viruses — tampering with file data.

  • ⚡ Bad sectors on a hard drive — physical damage or wear.

  • 🔄 Interrupted file transfers — removing USB drives too early.

  • 🧩 Software conflicts — incompatible or crashed applications.

Signs That a File Is Corrupted

Before we jump into solutions, here’s how to recognize a corrupted file:

  • Error messages like “The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.”

  • Inability to open, move, or delete the file.

  • Windows freezes or slows down when accessing the file.

  • The file size shows as 0 KB or much larger than expected.

Step-by-Step Methods to Delete a Corrupted File in Windows 11

Now let’s go through practical ways to delete corrupted files. Start with simple methods, and if those don’t work, move on to advanced ones.

1. Try the Basic Delete Method in File Explorer

Sometimes, a simple refresh can help.

  1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).

  2. Locate the corrupted file.

  3. Right-click and select Delete.

  4. Empty your Recycle Bin afterward.

If this doesn’t work, move to the next step.

2. Use Shift + Delete for Permanent Removal

The normal delete sends files to the Recycle Bin, which might block corrupted files. Instead:

  1. Select the corrupted file.

  2. Press Shift + Delete.

  3. Confirm deletion.

This bypasses the Recycle Bin and forces direct deletion.

3. Restart Windows 11 in Safe Mode

Safe Mode runs only essential processes, which can free up locked or corrupted files.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Recovery.

  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  4. After restart, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

  5. Press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

  6. Delete the file from File Explorer.

4. Close Background Processes Using Task Manager

Some files appear corrupted because they’re in use by a program.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Check for apps using the file (e.g., Word, Media Player).

  3. Select the process and click End task.

  4. Try deleting the file again.

5. Delete Corrupted Files Using Command Prompt

When File Explorer fails, Command Prompt can force file removal.

  1. Search cmd in Start, right-click, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Type the following command:

    del /f /q "C:\path\to\file.txt"

    • /f = force deletion

    • /q = quiet mode (no confirmation)

  3. Press Enter.

6. Use PowerShell for File Deletion

PowerShell provides more advanced control.

  1. Open Windows PowerShell (Admin).

  2. Run:

    Remove-Item -Path "C:\path\to\corruptedfile.txt" -Force

  3. Press Enter.

7. Run Disk Check Utility (CHKDSK)

Corrupted files often point to disk errors.

  1. Open Command Prompt as admin.

  2. Type:

    chkdsk C: /f /r

    • C: is your drive letter.

    • /f fixes errors.

    • /r locates bad sectors.

  3. Restart your PC to let Windows scan and repair the drive.

  4. Try deleting the file again.

8. Disable Windows Defender Temporarily

Sometimes antivirus locks files while scanning.

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.

  2. Click Manage settings.

  3. Toggle Real-time protection off.

  4. Delete the corrupted file.

  5. Re-enable Defender immediately afterward.

9. Rename the Corrupted File Before Deletion

If Windows can’t find the file, renaming it might help.

  1. Right-click the file and choose Rename.

  2. Change the extension (e.g., .txt → .old).

  3. Try deleting it again.

10. Use the Unlocker Tool (Third-Party)

Third-party apps like Unlocker or IObit Unlocker can forcefully unlock files in use.

  1. Install Unlocker.

  2. Right-click the corrupted file.

  3. Select Unlocker > Delete.

⚠️ Only download from trusted sources to avoid malware.

11. Delete Files Using Storage Sense

Windows 11 has built-in cleanup tools.

  1. Open Settings > System > Storage.

  2. Enable Storage Sense.

  3. Run it to automatically clear junk, including corrupted temporary files.

12. Boot Into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

For stubborn files:

  1. Restart your PC and press Shift + Restart.

  2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

  3. Use the del or Remove-Item commands from earlier.

13. Try a Linux Live USB for File Deletion

If Windows refuses, Linux can override file locks.

  1. Create a bootable Linux USB drive.

  2. Boot into Linux.

  3. Access your Windows drive.

  4. Locate and delete the corrupted file.

14. Restore System Health Using SFC and DISM

Corruption may be system-related.

  1. Open Command Prompt as admin.

  2. Run:

    sfc /scannow

  3. If issues persist, run:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  4. Restart and retry deleting.

15. Format the Drive as a Last Resort

If nothing works and the file is critical system corruption:

  1. Back up important data.

  2. Open This PC, right-click the drive, and choose Format.

  3. Follow prompts to wipe the drive.

⚠️ This erases everything, so use only if other methods fail.

Preventing File Corruption in Windows 11

Instead of fixing corrupted files repeatedly, here’s how to avoid them:

  • Use reliable power sources or a UPS to prevent sudden shutdowns.

  • Run regular antivirus scans.

  • Keep Windows and drivers updated.

  • Safely eject USB drives.

  • Use cloud storage or backups for important files.

Conclusion

Deleting a corrupted file in Windows 11 might seem tricky, but with the right steps, it’s absolutely manageable. From simple Explorer deletion to advanced methods like Command Prompt, Safe Mode, and even Linux boot drives, you have multiple solutions at your disposal.

Remember: prevention is better than cure. Always back up your data, maintain your hardware, and run regular scans to reduce the risk of file corruption in the future.

FAQs About Deleting Corrupted Files in Windows 11

1. Can corrupted files harm my PC?
Yes. They may slow down performance, cause crashes, or hide malware.

2. What happens if I don’t delete a corrupted file?
It may remain harmless, but over time, it could cause storage issues or system instability.

3. Can I recover a corrupted file instead of deleting it?
Yes, try file recovery software or sfc /scannow before deleting.

4. Do I need third-party tools to delete corrupted files?
Not always. Windows’ built-in tools (CMD, PowerShell, CHKDSK) usually work.

5. Is formatting my PC the only solution?
No. Formatting is the last resort. Try the other 14 methods first.

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