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This free program overrides Windows and lets you delete locked files from your PC

This free program overrides Windows and lets you delete locked files from your PC

Vote: (193 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Cedrick Collomb

Version: 1.9.2

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(193 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Cedrick Collomb

1.9.2

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • User-friendly
  • Integrates with Windows
  • Delete, move and rename locked files

Cons

  • None

Unlocker is a simple and straightforward program that lets you manipulate locked files.

Windows lets applications and processes lock files as a protective mechanism. This avoids corrupted data, unsaved data and so forth. Nevertheless, files are sometimes locked erroneously or an application doesn’t unlock a locked file due to a bug or a crash. Normally, you’d have to reboot Windows to rectify this situation, but with Unlocker, you can force the unlocking of the file in question.

Once a file is unlocked, you’re free to delete it as well as rename it or move it. Unlocker doesn’t just work with files but directories as well. It handles deep directory structures, long file paths and more. The program is also very user-friendly. Even casual Windows users will have little trouble unlocking files.

A big part of this ease of use is integration with Windows and Explorer in particular. There’s no need to load the program or run a special process. You simply right-click on a locked file and choose Unlock. Most unlocking operations will complete in the blink of an eye. If a process requires noticeable time, such as when unlocking a deep directory of folders and files, Unlocker give you an accurate progress bar.

Unlocker has an automatic update component that starts with Windows. It checks for a newer version and invites you to download it. If you choose to do so, it downloads the new version, installs it and then, restarts Unlocker. There are no downsides to Unlocker. The program sets out to do one task, and it manages to that task very well and in a reliable manner.

It’s worth mentioning that Unlocker can lead to program and even Windows instability in the hands of a careless user, but this isn’t a problem with the tool itself. Additionally, Unlocker sometimes offers installation of toolbars that some may consider bloatware or even spyware, but since you have to opt in to that installation—as opposed to opt out—we deem it inoffensive.

Pros

  • User-friendly
  • Integrates with Windows
  • Delete, move and rename locked files

Cons

  • None