How to Delete Corrupted Files on Windows 11/10?

Overview: Here, we will talk about files which get corrupted and cannot be deleted normally. After that, it can cause errors and take up your maximum storage space. So, this guide will provide why files get corrupted & how to delete corrupted files on PC using simple manual methods to provide space on your system and boost up your performance ensuring you can permanently delete files effectively.

Reasons Why Files Get Corrupted – Points to Know

In this section, we are gonna give you main pointers by which file corruption usually happens. Read those and take care of these to avoid this from happening again.

• Software bugs, which can often be fixed by updating the software.
• It can be due to virus or malware attacks that corrupt or delete your files present in the system.
• Related to power issues with the storage device.
• Unplugging external drives without using safe removal.
• Doing improper system shutdowns or sudden power failures.
• If you damage your physical drive it can make files inaccessible.

How to Delete Corrupted Files on PC Using Manual Methods

In this section, we will provide various manual solutions to resolve the issue of file corruption. Pay attention and look into the following steps:

#1. Delete Corrupted Files on Windows 10 or 11 Using File Explorer

The File explorer method is an easy way to delete the files which are corrupted. if they are not locked by the system. If you’re having trouble deleting them in your system, here’s the step mentioned below:

On Windows 10:

• Firstly, open file explorer and find your corrupted file.
• Then, right-click on the file and select Delete.
• After that, If you get an error press Shift + Delete to permanently remove it.

• Now, restart the system if the file doesn’t delete.

On Windows 11:

• To start with, open file explorer by clicking the folder icon on the taskbar.
• Directly right-click on the file which is corrupted and select Delete or press Shift + Delete for complete removal.

• If it doesn’t delete from your end, then restart your system completely.
• Try deleting the file again after restarting.

#2. How to Boot Into Safe Mode to Delete Corrupted Files on Windows 11 or 10?

If you’re dealing with corrupted files, booting into Safe Mode can help. It starts Windows with only essential drivers and services which make it easier to fix issues like corrupted files. It’s useful for tasks like deleting stubborn files, removing malware, or basic maintenance. Here’s how to boot into Safe Mode to fix your problem.

On Windows 11:

• Firstly, open Settings and go to System > Recovery.
• Next, click Restart now under Advanced startup.
• After rebooting you need to select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• Then, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

• Now, Delete the corrupted file or folder which you will find in your file explorer or desktop.

On Windows 10:

• Start by Pressing Win + R, type msconfig and press Enter.
• Then, go to the Boot tab and select Safe Boot.
• Next, restart your system to enter Safe Mode.
• Find and delete the corrupted file.
• Go back to msconfig, then uncheck Safe Boot, and restart normally.

#3. How to Delete Corrupted Files Using Command Prompt

If the previous method didn’t work. Then try deleting files which are corrupted using CMD. Here are the steps given below in the following order.

1. Search for “cmd” in the search box.

2. Then, right-click on the “Command Prompt” and choose the “Run as administrator” option.

 

3. Type the command: Del /F /Q /A <file path> and press Enter.

• /F forces deletion
• /Q deletes read-only files
• /A targets archived files
• Replace <file path> with the location of the corrupted file, like C:\Users\XXX\Downloads.
  

4. The corrupted files will be permanently deleted without going to the Recycle Bin.

#4. Delete Corrupted Files on External Hard Drive / USB

Is your external hard drive or USB full of corrupted files? Here are the steps to remove them and get your data back.

• You need to right-click the file in File Explorer and select Delete or press Shift + Delete to remove it permanently.

• If you are not able to delete the file from an external device, safely eject and reconnect the device.
• If the issue continues, try formatting the external device to remove all files.

Limitations of Using Manual Solutions

Here are some drawbacks which you may face while following manual steps. Go through these steps:

• It can be a time taking task when you manually delete multiple corrupted files located at various directories.
• While going with Safe Mode and CMD methods, you need to have technical knowledge before proceeding.
• If you manually try to format your drive, then it can lead to data loss.
• There is a possibility that your certain corrupted files might not be deleted normally due to file permissions or system restrictions.

Follow Quick Steps to Delete File Corruption 

Step 1. Firstly, go to the Start menu and find SysTools Data Wipe and right-click on it to open the software.

 

 

Step 2. Click “Add File” or “Add Folder” based on your need.

 

Step 3. Select the folder to wipe and click Next to scan.

Step 4. Choose a wiping method.

 

Step 5. Click “Wipe” to start.

Step 6. View wiped file/folder details on the screen.

Conclusion

In this write up, we have given importance on how to delete corrupted files on PC for keeping your storage clean and efficient as discussed above. Whether on Windows 10/11, USB, or external hard drive, the methods here provide effective solutions. Taking preventive steps will help avoid future issues. Also, all these methods fail, in that case we have provided you with an automated solution to permanently resolve file corruption problems in fewer steps. Now that you know how to do it, take action to free up space and improve your system’s performance, and permanently delete temporary files effortlessly.