There are times when we need to delete unnecessary files or applications from our computers or smartphones. It could be to free up storage space or for security reasons. In this article, we will discuss various ways to delete files and applications from Windows and Xiaomi smartphones. We will also address how to delete files that cannot be deleted. So let’s dive in.
How to Delete Unnecessary Applications on Windows
Over time, our computers accumulate many applications that we no longer use. These applications take up valuable space, slowing down our computer’s performance. Here is how to safely remove unnecessary applications:
Step 1: Open “Control Panel”
Click on the “Start” menu and type “Control Panel.” Press “Enter” to open the Control Panel.
Step 2: Go to “Programs and Features”
Click on “Programs and Features” in the Control Panel.
Step 3: Select the Application You Want to Remove
Find the application you want to remove from the list of installed programs. Click on it to select it.
Step 4: Uninstall the Application
Click on the “Uninstall” button at the top of the window. Follow the prompts to uninstall the application.
Step 5: Repeat the Process for All Unnecessary Applications
Repeat the process for all applications you want to remove from your computer. Restart your computer when you are finished to complete the process.
How to Delete Data from Xiaomi Smartphones
To free up space on your Xiaomi smartphone, you need to clear data from apps you no longer use. Follow the steps below to learn how to do it:
Step 1: Open “Settings”
Open the “Settings” app on your Xiaomi smartphone.
Step 2: Go to “Storage and Memory”
Scroll down and tap on “Storage and Memory.”
Step 3: Select “Internal Storage”
Tap on “Internal Storage” to view the apps consuming most of your storage space.
Step 4: Select the App You Want to Free Up Storage Space
Tap on the app you want to free up storage space. You will see how much space the app is using.
Step 5: Tap on the “Clear Data” Button
Tap on the “Clear Data” button to delete the app’s data. Note that this action will delete all data associated with the app, including login information and saved files.
Step 6: Repeat the Process for All Unnecessary Apps
Repeat the process for all apps you want to free up storage space. This will help speed up your Xiaomi smartphone and reduce the risk of running out of storage space.
How to Delete Files That Cannot Be Deleted on Windows 7
Sometimes, we encounter files that cannot be deleted from our Windows 7 computers. These could be system files, or they could be in use by other programs. Here are some ways to delete such files:
Option 1: Use the Command Prompt
Using the Command Prompt is the most effective way to delete files that cannot be deleted through the standard Windows interface. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator
Click on the “Start” menu and type “cmd.” Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
Type “cd” followed by the path to the folder where the file is located. For example, if the file is located in the Downloads folder, type “cd C:\Users\Username\Downloads” and press “Enter.”
Step 3: Force the File to Be Deleted
Type “del /F filename.extension” and press “Enter.” Replace “filename.extension” with the name of the file you want to delete.
This should force the file to be deleted. If it still doesn’t work, try the next option.
Option 2: Use Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a special mode in which only the essential Windows files and services are loaded. This makes it easier to delete files that cannot be deleted in normal mode. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Reboot Your Computer
Restart your computer. As soon as the computer starts booting up, press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
Step 2: Select “Safe Mode with Networking”
Use the arrow keys to navigate to “Safe Mode with Networking.” Press “Enter” to select it.
Step 3: Delete the File
Navigate to the location of the file you want to delete and delete it as you normally would.
If you’re still unable to delete the file, you might need to take ownership of the file. Follow these steps:
Option 3: Take Ownership of the File
Sometimes, the reason why you can’t delete a file is that you don’t have permission to do so. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Right-Click on the File
Right-click on the file you want to delete and select “Properties” from the context menu.
Click on the “Security” tab in the Properties window.
Step 3: Click on “Advanced”
Click on the “Advanced” button at the bottom of the window.
Step 4: Click on “Change” Next to the Owner
Click on “Change” next to “Owner” at the top of the window.
Step 5: Change the Owner
Type your username in the box and click on “Check Names.” Windows will verify your username. Click on “OK” to change the owner of the file.
Step 6: Check the Box Next to “Replace Owner on Subcontainers and Objects”
Check the box next to “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects” at the bottom of the window.
Step 7: Click on “Apply”
Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
Step 8: Delete the File
Navigate to the location of the file you want to delete and delete it as you normally would.
FAQ
Q: Can I recover data after I clear it from a Xiaomi app?
A: No, once you clear data from an app, the data is permanently deleted. Make sure you have a backup of any important data before you clear data from an app.
Q: Is it safe to force delete a file using the Command Prompt?
A: Yes, it is safe to force delete a file using the Command Prompt. However, make sure that you know what you’re doing, as deleting system files or files in use by other programs can cause errors on your computer.
