I have a windows 10 setup file in with my documents. I don't know how it got there or where it belongs. I can copy the file but I can't delete it.

Question

I have a windows 10 setup file in with my documents. I don't know how it got there or where it belongs. I can copy the file but I can't delete it.

Answer 1

Hi Larry,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand you are unable to delete a Windows 10 setup file that appears in your Documents folder.

Before proceeding, please confirm whether you have already tried the steps suggested by Q&A Assist. If yes, please try the additional steps below:

1, Open Settings > System > Storage

• Under Storage, select Temporary files
• Check Previous Windows installation(s) or Windows upgrade log files if available
• Click Remove files

2, Open File Explorer

• Right-click the Windows 10 setup file > Properties
• Go to the General tab
• Clear the Read-only attribute if it is selected
• Click Apply and OK, then try deleting the file again

3, Right-click Start > Windows Terminal (Admin)

• Run the following command to check file attributes: attrib C:\Users\YourUserName\Documents\filename
• If the file shows system or protected attributes, run: attrib -s -h -r C:\Users\YourUserName\Documents\filename
• Try deleting the file again

4, Open Settings > Windows Update

• Select Check for updates
• Install all pending updates
• Restart the device and attempt to delete the file

5, Open Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense

• Turn on Storage Sense
• Select Run Storage Sense now

6, Restart the device and try deleting the file immediately after sign-in, before opening any applications

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Answer 2

Hi!

Can you please try to right-click the file and click on Show More Options below and then go to Properties, and then go to the Digital Signature Tab and, see if it is a legitimate file, please copy and paste the screenshot here.

Thanks!

Answer 3

If you are unable to delete a Windows 10 setup file, it could be due to several reasons, such as file permissions or the file being in use. Here are some steps you can take to try to delete the file:

1. Check Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to delete the file. You may need to take ownership of the file or adjust its permissions.
2. Close Applications: Make sure that no applications are currently using the file. Sometimes, files cannot be deleted if they are open in another program.
3. Use Command Prompt: You can try deleting the file using the Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and use the del command followed by the path to the file. For example:

      del "C:\path\to\your\file"
   

4. Safe Mode: If the above steps do not work, try booting your computer in Safe Mode and then attempt to delete the file. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and might allow you to delete the file.
5. Third-Party Tools: If you still cannot delete the file, consider using third-party file management tools that can help unlock and delete stubborn files.

If the issue persists, it may be helpful to consult additional resources or support for further assistance.

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References:

• You can't delete a file or a folder on an NTFS file system volume