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How to Fix Windows Media Player Cannot Delete File Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Windows Media Player is a popular tool for playing audio and video files on Windows 11. Sometimes, users encounter an error when trying to delete files directly through Windows Media Player. This can be frustrating, especially when managing your media library.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to resolve the “Cannot Delete File” error. These methods help ensure that files get removed properly without causing further issues.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to fix this problem. Each step is explained clearly to help even beginners follow along.

By the end, you’ll know how to delete files smoothly and keep your media library organized on Windows 11.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure Windows Media Player and Windows 11 are up to date. Updates often fix bugs that cause errors.
  • Check if the file you want to delete is currently playing or open in another app. Files in use cannot be deleted.
  • Confirm that you have the necessary permissions to delete the file. Some files might be protected or require administrator rights.
  • Backup important files before deleting, just in case you need them later.

Step 1: Close Windows Media Player and Other Programs

Files in use cannot be deleted. If Windows Media Player or any other program is playing or using the file, Windows will block deletion.

How to do this:

  1. Close Windows Media Player completely.
  2. Check for any other apps that might be using the file, such as video editors or other media players, and close them.
  3. Try deleting the file again from Windows Media Player or directly from File Explorer.

This simple step often fixes the issue because Windows releases the lock on the file.

Step 2: Delete the File Directly Using File Explorer

If deleting through Windows Media Player fails, try removing the file directly from File Explorer.

How to do this:

  1. Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard.
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the file you want to delete.
  3. Right-click the file and select Delete.
  4. Confirm the action if prompted.

Deleting files directly from File Explorer bypasses Windows Media Player’s control and often resolves the issue.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, system processes or apps lock files in the background. Restarting your PC clears these locks.

How to do this:

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Select Power and then Restart.
  3. After your computer restarts, try deleting the file again.

This step is important because it refreshes system resources and releases file locks held by background processes.

Step 4: Use Task Manager to End Processes Locking the File

If restarting doesn’t help, some processes might still be using the file.

How to do this:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Look for processes related to Windows Media Player or the file type (for example, media codecs or streaming apps).
  3. Select the process and click End Task.
  4. Try deleting the file again.

Ending specific processes frees up the file and allows deletion.

Step 5: Run Windows Media Player Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes troubleshooters that diagnose and fix issues with built-in apps.

How to run the troubleshooter:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Media Player (or Windows Store Apps if WMP is included there) and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

This helps identify and fix common app-related problems automatically.

Step 6: Check File Permissions

If you don’t have permission to delete a file, Windows will block the action.

How to check and change permissions:

  1. Right-click the file and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Security tab.
  3. Click Edit to change permissions.
  4. Select your user name and check the Full control box under Allow.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.
  6. Try deleting the file again.

Having full control ensures you can delete or modify the file without restrictions.

Step 7: Use Command Prompt to Delete the File

If the file still cannot be deleted, using the Command Prompt gives you more control.

How to delete via Command Prompt:

  1. Press Win + S and type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter:
del "C:PathToYourFile.ext"

Replace C:PathToYourFile.ext with the actual path and file name.

This method bypasses some graphical interface locks and can delete stubborn files.

Alternative Method: Boot into Safe Mode and Delete

If the file still refuses to delete, try deleting it in Safe Mode, where Windows loads only essential drivers and services.

How to boot into Safe Mode:

  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 to enter Safe Mode.
  6. Once in Safe Mode, navigate to the file and delete it.

Safe Mode prevents most programs from starting, making it easier to delete locked files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why can’t Windows Media Player delete some files?

Files may be in use by the player or other programs, or you may lack the necessary permissions. Sometimes, system errors or file corruption also cause deletion issues.

Can I delete files from Windows Media Player library without deleting them from my computer?

Yes. Removing a file from the library only removes its entry from Windows Media Player. The actual file remains on your hard drive unless you delete it manually.

Is it safe to delete files using Command Prompt?

Yes, as long as you type the correct file path. Be cautious, because deleting files via Command Prompt bypasses recycle bin and can permanently remove files immediately.

What if the file is marked as read-only?

You will need to remove the read-only attribute before deleting. Right-click the file, select Properties, uncheck the Read-only box, and apply changes.

Will restarting Windows Media Player fix the delete error?

Sometimes, simply closing and reopening Windows Media Player releases file locks and allows deletion.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still cannot delete the file, consider these final options:

  • Use third-party file unlocker tools like Unlocker or LockHunter to force delete locked files.
  • Run the System File Checker tool by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing sfc /scannow to fix system issues.
  • Contact Microsoft Support or visit the official Windows Media Player support page for specialized help: Microsoft Windows Media Player Support.

Conclusion

Deleting files through Windows Media Player on Windows 11 can sometimes trigger errors due to file locks, permissions, or system issues. Starting with simple steps like closing programs and restarting your PC often resolves the problem quickly.

If the issue persists, checking permissions, using Command Prompt, or deleting in Safe Mode are effective next steps. Always ensure you have backups before deleting important files.

By following this guide, you can confidently fix the “Cannot Delete File” error and manage your media library with ease.

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