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How to Fix Files Not Showing When You Try to Delete in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Sometimes, when you try to delete files on Windows 11, the files might not show up or appear to be missing. This can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you are sure the files are there. Luckily, there are several simple ways to fix this issue.

This guide will walk you through easy steps to help you see and delete files without trouble. You don’t need to be an expert to follow along.

We will start with quick checks and move to more detailed fixes. By the end, you should be able to manage your files smoothly.

Let’s begin by understanding what might cause this problem and how to solve it.

Quick Note: Before You Start

Before diving into fixes, it’s good to check a few things first. Sometimes the problem is simple and easy to solve.

  • Check File Visibility: Files may be hidden. Make sure hidden files are visible in File Explorer.
  • Confirm Folder Location: Ensure you are looking in the correct folder where the files should be.
  • Restart Your Computer: A quick reboot can fix temporary glitches.
  • Check Permissions: You may not have permission to view or delete certain files.

Step 1: Show Hidden Files in File Explorer

Windows sometimes hides important files by default. If the files you want to delete are hidden, they won’t appear. Here’s how to make hidden files visible:

  1. Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing Windows + E.
  2. Click on the View tab at the top of the window.
  3. Hover over Show in the dropdown menu.
  4. Click on Hidden items to enable it. You should now see files that were previously hidden.

Making hidden files visible is important because sometimes system or user files are set to hidden, and you can’t delete what you can’t see.

Step 2: Check File and Folder Permissions

You might not see or delete files if you don’t have the necessary permissions. This happens if files belong to another user or system processes.

  1. Right-click on the folder where your files should be and choose Properties.
  2. Go to the Security tab.
  3. Under Group or user names, select your username.
  4. Check the permissions below. You should have Read and Modify permissions at minimum.
  5. If not, click Edit, select your user, and allow the necessary permissions.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.

Proper permissions ensure that you have control over the files and can delete or modify them as needed.

Step 3: Use Command Prompt to Delete Files

If files still don’t show up or delete, you can try deleting them using the Command Prompt. This bypasses some File Explorer issues.

  1. Press Windows + S and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to navigate to the folder where your files are located:
cd pathtoyourfolder

Replace pathtoyourfolder with the actual folder path, for example, C:UsersYourNameDocuments.

  1. Next, type the command to delete a file:
del filename.extension

Replace filename.extension with the actual file name, such as example.txt.

If you want to delete all files in a folder, you can use:

del *.*

Be very careful with this command, as it deletes all files in the current folder.

Step 4: Check for Corrupted Files or System Errors

Sometimes corrupted files or system errors can prevent files from showing or being deleted. Running Windows built-in tools can help fix these issues.

Run System File Checker (SFC)

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (see Step 3).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This tool will scan and repair corrupted system files. It may take some time, so be patient.

Run Disk Check Utility

  1. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk /f /r

This command checks your hard drive for errors and tries to fix them. You may be asked to schedule the scan on the next restart.

Fixing system errors can restore normal file behavior and visibility.

Alternative Method: Use Safe Mode to Delete Files

Sometimes third-party apps or system processes lock files, preventing their deletion. Starting Windows 11 in Safe Mode can help.

  1. Click the Start menu and select Settings.
  2. Go to System > Recovery.
  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  4. After your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  5. When your PC restarts again, press 4 to enter Safe Mode.
  6. Try to locate and delete the files now.

Safe Mode runs Windows with minimal programs, which can free locked files for deletion.

FAQs

Why don’t my files show up even after enabling hidden files?

Files may be protected system files. You can enable showing protected operating system files by going to View > Options > View tab in File Explorer and unchecking “Hide protected operating system files”. Be careful when deleting these.

Can antivirus software block file deletion?

Yes, some antivirus programs protect files from being deleted. Temporarily disable your antivirus and try deleting again.

What if I get an error saying the file is in use?

This means a program is currently using the file. Close any apps that might be using it or restart your computer and try again.

Is it safe to delete system files?

Deleting system files can cause your computer to malfunction. Only delete files you are sure about, preferably user files or duplicates.

How do I recover accidentally deleted files?

Use the Recycle Bin to restore files, or try third-party recovery tools if the files are permanently deleted.

When Nothing Works

If you still cannot see or delete files after trying all these steps, you might be dealing with deeper system issues.

  • Consider running a full Windows Update to get the latest fixes.
  • Use the official Microsoft support page for Windows 11: https://support.microsoft.com/windows.
  • Backup your important files and consider resetting Windows 11 as a last resort.

Conclusion

Files not showing when you try to delete them in Windows 11 can happen for several reasons, including hidden file settings, permission issues, or system errors. By following this guide, you can make hidden files visible, check permissions, use Command Prompt for deletion, and fix system problems.

Starting with simple steps and moving to advanced options ensures you don’t miss easy fixes. If all else fails, Safe Mode and official support are there to help. With these tools, managing your files should become easier and less frustrating.

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