You try to delete a folder and Windows tells you it is being used by another person or program. You close everything you can think of and the message stays. Free File Unlocker is a freeware utility built for this situation.
Quick facts
- Version: 3.0.5
- Platforms: Windows 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, 2003 and XP, both 32-bit and 64-bit
- Price: Free
- Portable version: Available
Key features
Delete, move and rename files that are in use
It unlocks files or folders so you can get past errors such as "Access is denied", "There has been a sharing violation" and "The source or destination file may be in use".
Unlock from the right-click menu
It is integrated into Windows Explorer, so one right click on the file or folder unlocks it.
See what is locking the file
The program shows which processes hold the file. You can kill the process or the file handle and then delete the file. If the lock comes from a process module such as a DLL, it unloads the module and unlocks the file.
Schedule stubborn actions for the next reboot
If a delete, rename or move fails, it is scheduled to run at the next Windows reboot.
Command-line use with list files
You can run it from the command line with input lists of locked files, copy destination lists, move destination lists and rename lists.
Help with stubborn malware
The vendor says it can be used to terminate malware, viruses and trojans that are difficult to kill and remove.
Who it's for
It suits you if you regularly hit locked-file errors when cleaning up folders, removing leftovers of uninstalled programs, or dealing with files that a running program holds open. The command-line mode also suits you if you want to script batch deletions or renames.
Pros and cons
- Pro: It is free.
- Pro: Explorer right-click integration.
- Pro: A portable version is available.
- Pro: It supports both command-line and list-based operations.
- Con: The vendor lists support only up to Windows 8.1.
- Con: Killing processes or handles can destabilize programs that are still running, so check what holds the lock first.
FAQs
Is Free File Unlocker really free?
Yes. The vendor describes it as freeware and asks for donations to support development.
Does it work on 64-bit Windows?
Yes. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows are covered.
What if the file still can't be deleted?
The action is scheduled for the next Windows reboot.
Is there a portable version?
Yes, a portable version is available.
System requirements
Windows 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, 2003 and XP, including both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.