How to create a BAT file that finds and deletes all files with the same extension

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How to create a BAT file that finds and deletes all files with the same extension

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How to create a BAT file (when is possible) that finds and deletes all files with the same extension (in actual directory and all subdirectories)?

Example: find and delete all BAK files

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Answer 1

Dear MilanSalka

To create a BAT file that recursively searches for and deletes all files with a specific extension (e.g., .bak) in a directory and its subdirectories, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Create the delete_files.bat file

Open Notepad or any text editor.
Copy the following code into the editor:

==========================================================================

@echo off

:: Ensure the file extension is provided as an argument

if "%1"=="" (

echo Please provide the file extension to delete (e.g., .bak)

echo Usage: delete_files.bat .extension

pause

exit /b

)

:: Search and delete files

echo Searching and deleting all files with the extension %1 ...

for /r %%i in (*%1) do (

echo Deleting: %%i

del /f /q "%%i"

)

echo Done!

pause

===========================================================================

%1: Refers to the file extension passed as an argument (e.g., .bak).
for /r: Recursively searches through the current directory and all subdirectories.
del /f /q: Deletes files forcefully without prompting ("/f" is for force, "/q" is quiet mode).
Save the file:
- Click on File > Save As.
- Choose a location (e.g., Desktop), and name it delete_files.bat.
- Ensure the file type is set to All Files (*.*) and save it with the .bat extension.

===========================================================================

Step 2: Run the BAT File

Navigate to the directory where you saved the delete_files.bat file.
Open a command prompt in this directory:
- Right-click inside the folder, then select Open in Terminal (or equivalent option like Open Command Window Here).
Run the batch file with the extension you want to delete:

delete_files.bat .bak

Replace .bak with the desired file extension (e.g., .tmp).
The batch file will:
- Search for all files with the specified extension in the current directory and subdirectories.
- Delete them.

Display a list of deleted files.

Best Wish

Shawn.Z-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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How to create a BAT file that finds and deletes all files with the same extension

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