Use Command Prompt to delete a file If you are unable to delete a file in the traditional way, i.e., by using File Explorer, try deleting that file using Command Prompt.

Another easy way to automatically delete old files on your Windows 11 PC is to use the Command Prompt. You just need to run a few commands and the auto-delete function will work.

To find out what program has locked a file, use WhoLockMe. And for future reference, you can put quote marks around a filename with spaces on the command prompt.

If the 'Preparing to delete' prompt takes forever to process on your Windows PC, delete files in parts, try in safe mode, optimize system resources, etc.