Have you ever encountered a situation where you wanted to delete, move, or rename a file or folder, but you were unable to do so because it was in use or locked by another application? It can be a frustrating experience, but fortunately, there is a tool that can help you with this problem – Unlocker.

What is Unlocker?

Unlocker is a Windows software that enables you to unlock and delete locked files and folders on your computer. It was first released in 2005 and has since been a go-to tool for many users who face the issue of locked files.

unlocker 1.9.2

Unlocker is a freeware tool and is available for personal and commercial use. It is compatible with all versions of Windows, including Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Server editions.

Features of Unlocker

Unlocker is a simple yet powerful tool that offers various features to help you manage locked files and folders on your computer. Let’s take a closer look at some of its features:

  • Unlocking files and folders
    The primary feature of Unlocker is to unlock and delete files and folders that are in use or locked by other applications. With Unlocker, you can easily identify the process that is using the file or folder and terminate it, allowing you to access the file or folder.
  • Deleting stubborn files
    Sometimes, you may come across files that are stubborn and cannot be deleted using the traditional method. Unlocker can help you delete these files by terminating the process that is using the file.
  • Moving and renaming files
    Unlocker also allows you to move and rename files and folders that are locked by other applications. You can simply right-click on the file or folder, select Unlocker, and then choose the action you want to perform.
  • Integration with Windows Explorer
    Unlocker integrates with Windows Explorer, making it easier to manage locked files and folders. You can access the Unlocker option by simply right-clicking on the file or folder you want to unlock.
  • Command-line interface
    Unlocker also offers a command-line interface, allowing you to unlock and delete files and folders from the command prompt.

How to Use Unlocker

Using Unlocker is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Unlocker to unlock and delete locked files and folders:

  • Step 1: Download and install Unlocker
    • First, you need to download and install Unlocker on your computer. You can download the latest version of Unlocker from the official website.
  • Step 2: Identify the locked file or folder
    • Next, you need to identify the locked file or folder that you want to unlock or delete.
  • Step 3: Right-click on the file or folder
    • Once you have identified the locked file or folder, right-click on it, and select Unlocker from the context menu.
  • Step 4: Choose the action you want to perform
    • After selecting Unlocker, a new window will open, displaying the processes that are using the file or folder. You can then choose the action you want to perform, such as unlocking, deleting, moving, or renaming the file or folder.
  • Step 5: Complete the action
    • Finally, click on the action you want to perform, and Unlocker will take care of the rest.

Limitations of Unlocker

While Unlocker is a useful tool, it does have its limitations. Here are some of the limitations of Unlocker:
Limited file types: Unlocker can only be used to delete or unlock certain types of files such as locked DLLs, EXEs, or system files. It cannot be used to unlock or delete files of other types.

Compatibility issues: Unlocker may not work with certain versions of Windows or on certain types of hardware. For example, some users have reported issues with Unlocker on Windows 10 or with 64-bit operating systems.

Not suitable for all situations: While Unlocker can help in situations where files are locked and cannot be deleted, it may not be the best solution for all scenarios. For example, if a file is in use by a running process, it may be better to close the process first before attempting to delete the file.

Potential security risks: Using Unlocker to delete or unlock files can pose potential security risks if done carelessly. For example, if a user unlocks a system file, they may unintentionally cause damage to their operating system or make their system vulnerable to security threats.

Limited support: Unlocker is a free tool and therefore does not offer official support or updates. Users may have to rely on online forums or other resources for assistance with using the tool or troubleshooting issues.

Despite these limitations, Unlocker remains a valuable tool for many users who need to delete or unlock files that are otherwise difficult to manage. With its simple interface and easy-to-use features, it is a useful addition to any user’s toolkit for managing files and folders.