File Unlocker Software: 7 Best Tools to Use in 2025
Sometimes, you may encounter errors preventing you from deleting files, such as “Access is denied” or “The file is in use.” These issues occur when a file is locked by a Windows process or service. Common causes include system files, malware, or security software.
Here are 7 tools to help you unlock and delete stubborn files and folders.
1. FileASSASSIN
FileASSASSIN, from Malwarebytes, is designed to help unlock and delete files that are locked by Windows processes or other applications. It can terminate processes, unload modules, and delete stubborn files.
2. LockHunter
LockHunter identifies the processes locking a file and offers options to unlock or delete it. It can terminate processes and integrate with the Windows context menu for quick access.
Pros:
- Simple to use.
- Provides context menu integration.
Cons:
- May not work with some system files.
3. IObit Unlocker
IObit Unlocker helps you unlock and remove files or folders by identifying the processes using them. It’s designed for ease of use with a simple interface.
Pros:
- User-friendly.
- Supports batch unlocking.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features in the free version.
IObit Unlocker Official Website
4. Unlocker
Unlocker is another simple tool that can help remove locked files. It allows you to find and terminate processes holding files and offers options to delete, rename, or move locked files.
Pros:
- Straightforward interface.
- Can handle batch file deletions.
Cons:
- Some users report occasional bugs.
5. Process Explorer
Process Explorer, by Sysinternals, provides more advanced features for identifying processes that are locking files. It allows you to search for handles and terminate processes directly from the application.
Pros:
- Advanced functionality.
- Free and powerful.
Cons:
- More complex for beginners.
Process Explorer Official Website
6. EMCO UnLock IT
EMCO UnLock IT is a powerful tool that detects and unlocks files, even those that are deeply embedded in system processes. It allows you to delete or move files directly.
Pros:
- Detects hidden file locks.
- Simple to use.
Cons:
- Some features are restricted in the free version.
EMCO UnLock IT Official Website
7. Free File Unlocker
Free File Unlocker is a lightweight tool for unlocking and deleting files that are in use. It can identify which processes are using a file and offers options to unlock or delete them.
Pros:
- Free and lightweight.
- Simple interface.
Cons:
- Limited functionality compared to other tools.
Free File Unlocker Official Website
You may also want to read:
- 12 Free Tools to Permanently Delete Files & Prevent Recovery
- 8 Free Portable File Managers for Quicker File Operations
- Copy Locked or In Use Files: 7 Best Tools to Use
- Run Once Registry Key Examples & How to Use
Wrapping up
These tools should help you deal with locked files and get rid of them more easily. If you’re still encountering issues, consider checking for malware or running a system scan.
I’ve tried IObit Unlocker but it can’t delete the folder and the files in it. I wanted a tool that works to delete without rebooting.
Wise Force Deleter work like a charm. Deleted the folder directly without reboot.
For those who doesn’t have a stubborn file like me, can try Process Explorer, to find folder/file path to know which process/services occupied that and end it.
good tip!
This is exactly what happened in my case as well.
many thanks for this review!! you do a some of testing this bunch of software to find wich ones strong enugh to unlock data! many thanks for you
Was looking for a solution for a whole day, and now I use IObit. Thankyou for sharing this information!
What is the reason why Windows XP locks directories? For example, start Calc or Notepad from a folder, then that folder won’t be deletable until the program is closed or I browse to another folder from within the program. This is an old problem, but still gets annoying. I understand that files need to be locked so that a program can finish working on them, but why directories? The expected result is that the program drops me into a default My Documents if it can’t find the previous directory.
It makes perfect sense if you think about it. Trying to delete the folder containing the executable you are running is the same as trying to delete the running executable itself.
Great article. Thanks for posting. IOBit unlocker worked for me.
hello
thanks
lockhunter is good but which one is best?
EMCO UNLOCK IT IS THE BEST CHOICE IN THE TOP OF THE BEST UNLOCKER PROGRAM TESTED
Unlocker no longer has context menu working as used to.
Is there alternative unlocker with context menu so I can unclock file straight away.
Unlocker still has a context menu and it works in Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 (including Anniversary update).
I was using Unlocker but it started to get flakey when I started using Windows 7 and now Windows 10. I then started to use IOBit Unlocker and I never looked back since.
I’ve been using Unlocker on Windows 7 for many years and also Windows 10 for the last year, works fine on both. The IObit tool can delete more stubborn files though.
What if the files are IObit that have attached themselves to explorer.exe?
Ive had a few very persistent malwares which despite running av’s , mbytes and various other security programs and uninstalling the malicious files/programs, they have reinstalled themselves every reboot. In each case I was finally able to get rid of start up malware files using WinPatrol freeware by highlighting the files in its startup screen tab & right clicking to use option ” delete file on reboot” – its never failed me. Winpatrol also many other useful functions .
good article, helped me, thank you
LockHunter did not work for me. I rebooted as instructed and got a system message telling me LockHunter was trying to delete the folders I’d selected but that it could not delete the folder. I’ll try another program but starting to lose hope this can be done at all….
Try using the third tool (IObit Unlocker) that was listed in this article.
Just downloaded Unlocker and it is infected with malware. The link takes me to the the EmptyLoop website and when I tried to download the file, the file is downloaded from emptyloop. The installation then attempted to install BoBrowser which I declined, but it installed it anyway. It also install startsearch which appeared to be made by someone in China and when I tried to delete the files, HPUi, load64 etc, it keeps coming back until I ended the process tree.
AVOID (though the unlocker application itself appeared to be ok – so far).
Emptyloop is the official page for Unlocker, it’s not really malware as opposed to adware which has always been in the Unlocker installer. If you disable and skip the options they won’t be installed. Even downloading Unlocker from other sites like Softpedia will still include adware in the installer.
use lock hunter to find which process is locking your file or folder, go to task manger, end that task and now the file or folder has been unlocked, you can delete easily.
Thaks!!!
After trying Unlocker, finally FileASSASSIN is the best tool to remove any corrupted file. Now Unlocker is become my alternative tool.
Thanks for sharing wonderful piece of information.
Another alternative is “LongPathTool” tried and tested.Guaranteed fix. Here you can rename, delete, open and move your files instantly without the worries of error messages saying that there is some sort of a problem.
Thanks! a lot Sir and all others. I was using unlocker and it wasn’t working well in win-7 for don’t know some reason (may be as it was not meant for win-7).
Thanks again !
Lockhunter works for me, maybe if you install win 64on top if you have not done so alreeady,
might make a change. I got the thing but I am trying to master it (learn it I am guessing at how it work. maybe some one out there can help. HELP
best regard WAB
Sadly LockHunter DOES work. I don’t know what others real issues are but I’m able to unlock all the files I’ve tried that were locked with little problems. I’ve tried several other programs that use to work when using XP but just won’t work with 7 even when they say they will.
Good Job Crystal Rich :)
One of the few that worked in Win7. But I have a request to make! Command Line!!! I need to unlock some files in a .bat script and command line is needed!
WoW!!! I really like Unlocker and I was hoping for an update. I’ll have to check out LockHunter. Thanks for the alternative review.
Dear Raymond,
Sounds neat!
Thanks Raymond. Now if there were just a x64 equivalent of Sandboxie I’d make the switch to an x64 OS.
Great program. I found this a few months ago when I upgraded RAM and went to x64. Haven’t tried it on Windows 7 x64 yet though.
Thanks…
I found out this a few weeks ago when I switched to XP x64 as I was in need for an Unlocking Tools….
thanks a lot Mr. Ray.
Thanks, I’ll have a look, I never liked Unlocker.
Not sure where I got it, but have a look at EjectUSB by William Hedrick. Also look inside the readme file under section “External Utility Support” and you’ll find similar eject utilities.
Thnks for the great tips ^^
Thanks Raymond
good one been looking for on that work on x64 bit
Thanks raymond.