It should be noted, however, that deleting these files could wreak havoc on your system if you’re not sure why they’re there in the first place. Proceed with caution.

  1. Locate the folder you wish to delete. I don’t have any locked folders I’m willing to delete, so let’s create an unlocked folder – and call it SkypeHost.exe (a copy of an actual locked file) – for the sake of the tutorial. It works the same, but you can just as easily remove this folder with the delete button.
  2. Download Process Explorer from Microsoft’s website (opens in new tab), and press OK on the pop-up window.
  3. Double click processexp64 to extract the file.
  4. Choose Extract All.
  5. Click Open.
  6. Double click the procexp64 application to open the application.
  7. Select Run.
  8. Read the terms and press the Agree button.
  9. In the Process Explorer window, choose File > Show Details for All Processes.
  10. Allow the app to make changes by pressing the Yes button.
  11. Go the the Find menu at the top and select Find Handle or DLL.
  12. Type in the file name and hit Search.
  13. Right click the process in the bottom of the Process Explorer screen and select Close Handle. If there are multiple processes listed here, you’ll need to repeat this step to close all of them.
  14. Delete the file as you would normally.

Windows 10 Annoyances and Problems

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Repair Windows 10Remove the Lock ScreenDisable or Enable Grayscale ModeSet Compatibility Mode for AppsAccess the BIOS on a Windows 10 PCStop Windows Update from Automatically Restarting Your PCTurn Off App NotificationsFix a Slow-Opening Windows Downloads FolderDisable Personalized Ads on Microsoft Sites and AppsStop Skype’s Annoying Auto UpdatesFix a ‘Boot Configuration Data File is Missing’ ErrorClear the Run Command’s HistoryDisable CortanaUninstall and Restore Built-in AppsRestore a Missing Battery IconFix a Boot Configuration File ErrorGet to the Advanced Startup Options MenuDelete a Locked FileRestart without RebootingRoll Back Windows 10 to an Earlier VersionDisable Automatic Driver DownloadsDisable Internet ExplorerPause Windows Updates for Up to 35 DaysUse Battery SaverDowngrade to Windows 10 SSave Netflix Videos for Offline ViewingAll Windows 10 TipsWorst Windows 10 AnnoyancesDisable Password Prompt on Wake