How to work with the program unlocker. How unwanted programs and adware (adware) get on the computer

Unlocker- a free utility that allows you to unlock files that are in use by a system process or privately accessed.

Unlocker is able to unlock almost any file in the operating system that is used by another process, it integrates a new “Unlocker” item into the context menu of each Windows element (folders, shortcuts, etc.), which completely removes the lock from a file that cannot be accessed. Equipped with support for many languages ​​(including Russian), and there is also a portable version for 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating systems.When installing, be careful not to install unnecessary software! Skip installing extra software!


Unlocker can

  • Unlock a file if you are denied access.
  • Unlock file if file sharing or network file sharing violation.
  • Unlock a file if the file's source or destination is busy.
  • If the file is being used by another program or user.
  • Unlock the file if the disk is full and it is impossible to delete it due to lack of space.

How Unlocker works

When you click on the standard "Delete" context menu item, the file is automatically deleted if it is not occupied by another process, otherwise a system message appears stating that access to the file is denied, while the Windows operating system does not provide information about which process is interfering with work with file, the “Unlocker” item allows you not only to stop these processes or free them from a file that is used by another program or user, but also provide a list of all processes that deny access.
Unlocker allows you to perform commands on files such as deleting, moving or renaming. Also, all operations can be performed from the command line, a list of commands can be obtained by running Unlocker.exe from the command line with the /? parameter.

Today it is difficult to imagine a computer without an unlocker program on board. It is very capacious, concise and, moreover, free. The essence of the action of this utility is that it is able to unlock programs and files that are used by the processor or that are in private access. The unlocker program for windows 7 supports a lot of languages, including Russian, and also works in both 32 and 64-bit versions of the OS.

Operating principle

I think I won’t be mistaken if I say that each of us has come across a drop-down window that says that a folder or file cannot be deleted using due to the fact that it is used by another application. It is in order to solve this problem that unlocker was created.

Install unlocker

The program consists of only one window, which displays all the information on the file you need, and also indicates which process is blocking its deletion.

The unlocker installation process is outrageously simple: download, install. After installation, the application icon will appear in the context menu and on the desktop. By the way, in order not to make a mess on your desktop, do not forget to add a shortcut to the unlocker program in a special one if you use it. To use the application, select the problematic file, and then click on the icon of this utility. The above window will appear, and in it - possible actions that can be done with the file, select the necessary one.

Functions unlocker

To summarize, we get the following list of functions performed by this application:

  • support for a huge number of languages, as well as a portable version for 32-bit operating systems being released;
  • the ability to not only delete, but also move and rename folders that the system blocks for some reason;
  • the program is able to unlock almost all files used by another processor.

Where can I download

You can always download the latest version of unlocker for windows 7 on the official website of the company. The program is not updated very often, about once every six months or even a year, but this can hardly be considered a disadvantage: in fact, it has only one task that any of the versions can successfully cope with. The utility weighs less than a megabyte, and each subsequent version is taught to bypass more and more errors.

Well, the program we do not always need should weigh a lot or be difficult to understand. Sometimes such “little ones” do their job even better than more capacious applications. At the same time, unlocker is also free, and therefore will save you money, not to mention the nerves.

Hello everyone Today I decided to tell you about such a program as Unlocker. Believe me, this program is cool, it allows you to delete any folders and files that are blocked for deletion. If uninstallation is not possible, it will be scheduled and executed at the next Windows boot.

However, I want to warn you that if a file or folder cannot be deleted, then there is probably a reason for this. That is, the file can be either in operation or blocked precisely for the purpose of not deleting it. Well, that is, I hope that you understand that I'm getting at the fact that you don't need to delete everything that seems to be unnecessary to you.

Some users have tried deleting the WinSxS folder and then wondered why Windows won't boot. But this is not so bad, but some more users tried to delete the Windows folder, this is a joke

Consider where Unlocker can be useful:

  • deleting non-removable folders and files that were left behind by programs after their uninstallation;
  • virus infection of a computer, when viruses create specially such folders so that you cannot delete them;
  • deleting the folder with the virus, even if the virus process is currently running from the folder;
  • cleaning Windows from unnecessary folders and files; this should be done only when you understand what can be deleted and what not; if you delete not what you need, then your Windows will simply fly;
  • for advanced users there is command line support from which all commands are available; a list of commands can be obtained by running unlocker.exe with the /? key;

Let's check how Unlocker works, I'll try to delete some folders from Program Files (x86) that I don't need. It's not just garbage, it's pre-installed Windows software, which I personally don't use.

So here are the folders:


As you can see, there is nothing criminal or particularly important here, although Windows Defender is on the list. Yes, I know that this is related to security, but I will try to delete this folder as well, see if it works. You don’t repeat this yourself, I’m just demonstrating the work of Unlocker, and it’s interesting myself.

So, I right-click on the selected folders and select Unlocker:


Now such a window has popped up, here you need to choose what exactly needs to be done and click OK:


Let me remind you that these folders cannot be simply deleted.

The process of shamanism has begun:

About half a minute later I saw this message:

As you can see, Unlocker coped clearly and without errors, and even without rebooting, that is, we can conclude that the program is suitable

But then my hands itch further. In short, that's what I came up with. I have Windows 7 64 bit, there is a folder C:\Program Files for 64-bit programs and C:\Program Files (x86) for 32-bit ones. Unlocker is installed in my folder for 64-bit programs, so I will not touch Program Files. But I will try to delete Program Files (x86), right-click on it and select Unlocker:



To be honest, I don't even know what to press here. In general, I clicked on unlock all. This window then disappeared, I again right-clicked on Program Files (x86) and selected Unlocker, and there was already this window:


So we conclude - sometimes you first need to unlock files before deleting

Then the shamanism began again:

As a result, an error popped up that for complete removal you need to reboot:


In general, I clicked Yes and did a reboot, there were no errors or glitches. Then I opened the C:\ drive and saw that the Program Files (x86) folder was no longer there:


There is just the usual Program Files. At the same time, Windows itself worked fine, but of course you can’t delete it like that, it will definitely lead to some problems. I simply will not check Windows for glitches, but will return the previous version from the backup.

Well, we can conclude that Unlocker really does what it is intended for. He knows how to delete probably almost all files and folders. This can be done in two ways - in a running Windows, this is when there are no locks, but if they are and the removal is difficult, then a reboot is needed. On reboot, Unloker will start uninstalling before the Windows session even starts.

How to remove Unlocker from the computer completely?

If you do not need this program, then of course you should remove it. In general, this program is a little dangerous, so the system forbids deleting some folders, and Unlocker allows it. This is how you can easily spoil Windows, so if you are a novice user, then it might really be better to remove Unlocker

So, open the Start menu and select the Control Panel there (in Windows 10, this item can be found in the menu, which is called by the Win + X key combination):


Now we find the Programs and Features icon, run it:


In the list we find Unlocker, right-click and select Delete:


This window will appear, click Yes:


Then you will need to reboot:


If you have the opportunity, then do it right away. I do not advise to delay with her, you need to bring the matter to the end

I hope that now you know what Unlocker is and how to remove it. Good luck

09.06.2016

You can use the built-in Windows tools to remove any programs, files, and folders. If these features do not help get rid of files, then special third-party utilities, such as Unlocker, come into play.

Download Tool you can from the official website of the application, finding it on the network will not be a problem. Installation is very simple. After installing the application embedded to the context menu. It is also available from the menu. Start.

The main features of the utility:

  • If software not uninstalled completely, the remains can be cleaned with Unlocker;
  • Removal files created by viruses (you cannot get rid of them with conventional methods);
  • cleaning virus files that run in the background;
  • Removal unnecessary temporary files from the system disk (you need to know which data cleaning will not affect the system performance);
  • Working with the program command line(for more experienced users).

An example of using Unlocker

After installing the utility, try to get rid of a file or folder that cannot be deleted by standard Windows functions. For example, you are trying to uninstall an application running in the background and a message is displayed that this software is currently in use. Just click right click mouse on the folder with the program and select the item " Unlocker».

A window will appear that prompts you to select actions with the selected data. In this case, we need to get rid of the folder with the program, so select the item " Delete". Click OK.

A notification will appear that the object has been deleted.

Removing programs that run in the background

If there are applications that cannot be removed by normal Windows OS tools, they can run in the background and interact with the system and other third-party components. Viruses act in the same way, gradually damaging the system and complicating the work of the user. To fix the problem, we will use Unlocker again.

Find a folder with the program currently running. Right click on it and select " Unlocker».

A window will immediately appear with the processes using the non-removable object. Let's press the button " Unlock everything».

As a result, the processes should end successfully and, as a result, you should again try to delete the directory with the object that cannot be deleted using the uninstaller.

If the processes could not be closed, let's try to temporarily delete them by clicking on the "Delete Process" button (to begin with, select all processes). And repeat the removal procedure again.

Thus, it is possible to clean up almost any file or folder in the Windows system. Sometimes this process may require a reboot, and sometimes the utility may not work at all for unknown reasons.

If you decide to remove Unlocker, it is better to use another uninstaller, such as the Uninstall Tool. It cleans not only leftovers in different places of the system, but also entries in the registry.

After the release of the seventh version of the Windows operating system, many users found an unknown application called Unlocker on their computers and laptops. What kind of program this was, some people did not understand then, although it was officially included in the installation distributions. Let's try to clarify what this applet is for.

Unlocker: what is this program?

So, you can understand what kind of application it is, if you simply translate its name from English. Unlocker means "unlocker".

In other words, Unlocker is a program for deleting files and folders that cannot be deleted using the usual means and techniques used in Windows operating systems (for example, system directories, dynamic libraries, folders or files currently occupied by background services and processes).

What can this application do?

Speaking about the main features of the application, it is worth noting that it is able to delete absolutely all (well, almost all) objects, including even system files and directories. With all this, one can even say that Unlocker is a program for removing programs, but not in the sense of how uninstallers work, removing all components of certain software from the system, but in the context that it can remove executable files and those loaded into RAM dynamic libraries.

In addition, there is another important point. The fact is that the Unlocker program for Windows 7 and higher can also remove from the system those non-removable (blocked) objects that are specially created by viruses, even though the virus is currently running in the active background. Sometimes, as is already clear, in conjunction with anti-virus software, an application is an indispensable tool for completely cleaning a computer from threats that have penetrated into it (even if the scanner cannot neutralize or delete such objects).

Principle of operation

This is the Unlocker application in general terms. What kind of program, we think, is already a little clear. Now a few words about how it all works.

As such, the program does not have its own interface. It simply embeds its own commands into context menus, like antiviruses or archivers do. Therefore, using the application consists precisely in choosing the appropriate item from any RMB menu (in Explorer, another file manager, on the Desktop, etc.).

From a technical point of view, Unlocker differs from Windows system services in that it allows you to clearly track which process a particular file is currently occupied with, complete it by releasing the file, and remove the deletion ban. It goes without saying that the matter is not limited to removal only. Sometimes the application can be used to rename files or directories, as well as to move them from one location to another.

Unlocker: how to work with the program? Practical use

Finally, let's see how it all works in practice. Suppose we have a 64-bit system that has two program directories Program Files and Program Files (x86). The first is the main one for installing application components with 64-bit architecture, the second one is for installing 32-bit programs.

Let's try to delete several folders in the directory marked (x86), assuming that we don't need them. Consider the pre-installed components of the system. We select the necessary directories and through RMB we select the line Unlocker.

A window appears in which you need to select the desired action. Set the drop-down list to delete. The application will show the progress of the process, after which a message will appear stating that the objects have been deleted. We look in the "Explorer". And, lo and behold, the previously selected folders are not there! What is most interesting, the reboot was not required at all, and the system both worked and works properly.

Here is Unlocker for you. What kind of program is this in terms of deleting nested application directories is understandable. But let's go ahead and try to delete the entire Program Files directory (x86). It is impossible to do this with ordinary actions and methods.

Through RMB on the directory, select Unlocker again. When attempting to delete, a message may be displayed stating that a blocking handle was not found.

We perform a similar action again, but in a new window with a list, click the "Unblock all" button. After a certain period of time, the window disappears. Select Unlocker again and install the uninstall. The process starts, but at the end a message is displayed stating that some objects will be deleted only after the system is restarted. We reboot and again look in the "Explorer". The folder is gone!

Is it worth using the app?

Keep in mind that the steps shown have been shown, so to speak, for clarity. Deleting such directories or individual files, of course, is not recommended under any pretext, since some installed programs will stop working, and the system itself will turn out to be unstable. If you are not confident in your knowledge, or if you suddenly want to experiment for the sake of interest, you should not do this. It is better to remove Unlocker immediately.

This can be done quite simply from the programs and components section located in the Control Panel, followed by a reboot of the computer or laptop. So even any temptation to use the utility will disappear. In this case, it is desirable to perform a reboot immediately on demand, without postponing it indefinitely.

Finally

That's in general terms and everything that concerns the Unlocker utility. It is not recommended to use it to remove or rename system components (and in general, you should not call the application unnecessarily). But in situations with viruses or lack of administrator rights to perform some actions with other undeletable files or directories, Unlocker is simply an indispensable tool.

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