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How to Fix “Windows Is Slow to Delete Files” Issue: You’re not the only one who thinks it takes too long to delete files on their Windows computer. If you have this problem, which is sometimes called “Windows Is Slow to Delete Files,” it may take longer than it should to do things like empty the recycle bin or delete files. You need to fix this problem for your computer to keep going smoothly and quickly. There are a few easy things you can do to make the process of deleting files faster on your Windows computer.
We will show you step-by-step how to fix the problem of files being deleted slowly in this guide. You won’t have to deal with annoying delays when you use these methods to manage and delete files more quickly. Whether you use your computer occasionally or for work, making it faster to delete files can make your whole experience much better. Let’s look at these methods how to Fix “Windows Is Slow to Delete Files” Issue.
What is “Windows Is Slow to Delete Files” Issue
As many Windows users will know, “Windows Is Slow to Delete Files” is a regular problem. It takes a lot longer than thought to delete files, which is annoying. It’s possible for this delay to happen for a number of reasons, such as the system being too busy, files being spread out on the hard drive, hardware not working right, or software issues. This process can be slow, which can be a pain when you’re trying to free up disc space or put your files in the best order.

When you try to delete big files or a lot of folders at once, this problem often comes up, slowing down the system and making it hard to get work done. Many users are still having this problem, which shows that it’s still a problem in the Windows environment. To fix it, users can clean up the disc, de fragment it, or look for side processes that might be the cause. Slow file deleting is still a problem, even though people are trying to fix it.
Causes for “Windows Is Slow to Delete Files” Issue
- Broken-Up Hard Drive: Windows takes longer to find and delete files that are spread out across the hard drive.
- Not Enough Disc Space: If the disc is almost full, Windows may take longer to delete files because it has to organist the data that is already there.
- File System Errors: If there are problems or corruptions in the file system, Windows may need to do more checks or fixes, which can slow down the deletion process.
- Antivirus Software: Antivirus software that is too strict can sometimes make it impossible to delete files because it may scan each one first.
- Disc Errors or Bad Sectors: Problems with the hard drive, like bad sectors, can make it take longer to delete files while Windows tries to fix them.
- Outdated Drivers: Device drivers that are too old or don’t work with your computer can cause speed problems, like making it take a long time to delete files.
How to Fix “Windows Is Slow to Delete Files” Issue
Use the Command Prompt to Delete Files
- Right-click on the file you want to get rid of and select Properties. Copy the path now.
- Type “Command Prompt” into the search box and click “Run as administrator.”
- Type the command line and press Enter to delete the file for good.
- This is the code line:
- delete test.txt from c:\users\daisy\desktop.
- Change “c:\users\daisy\desktop\test.txt” to the name of the file you want to get rid of.
- Don’t forget to add the file name to the command either.
Disable Remote Differential Compression
- Use the search box to type “Windows Features.”
- Click on the first one to open it.
- Find the Remote Differential Compression API Support choice and uncheck it.
- To keep the change, click OK.
Perform a Clean Boot
- Press Windows and R keys together to open the Run box.
- Type “msconfig” into the box and press “OK.”
- Click on the Services tab. Place a tick mark next to Hide All Microsoft Services.
- Now click the button that says “Disable all.”
- Then click “Apply” to save the change.
- Click Open Task Manager on the Startup tab.
- On the Task Manager tab, click Disable next to the first app that is running.
- Here, you need to turn off each program that is currently running one by one.
Check the Disk for Errors
- Open File Explorer by pressing Windows and E keys simultaneously.
- Right-click on the drive you wish to modify and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Tools tab and click the Check button to inspect for errors.
- Wait for the process to complete.
- Verify if the issue regarding “Windows is slow to delete files” is resolved.
Check the File System

- Search cmd in the search box and click Run as administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Restart your machine to see if the problem is resolved.
Optimize the Hard Disk
- Type defrag in the search box and select “Defragment and Optimise Drives.”
- Choose the drive you want to check and click “Analyse.”
- Identify the problematic drive and click “Optimise.”
- Wait for the process to finish.
- Restart your computer after defragmentation to check if the issue of “deleting files takes forever” is resolved.
Conclusion
As a conclusion, making Windows delete files more quickly can make your computer run faster and be more fun to use. These easy steps will help you figure out and fix common reasons why it takes so long to delete files. One reason could be that your computer’s disc is broken, other programs are blocking the download, or you don’t have enough resources available.
To keep your computer in good shape, you should clean up your disc, put your files in a better order, and stay away from viruses and other bad software. It not only saves you time but also makes your whole Windows system run better when you can delete files more easily. These fixes will not only fix the issue you’re having right now, but they will also make your computer more reliable and quick for all the daily tasks you need to do.
Question and Answer
If you regularly clean up your computer’s files, organise its storage, and keep programmes up to date, and be careful online, you can avoid problems like slow performance or security risks caused by malware.
Of course! There are a lot of outside tools that can speed up file deletion and make your system run better. To avoid bugs and other problems, just make sure you get them from places you know you can trust.
Use system restore to take your computer back to a time when deleting files didn’t take so long if the problem keeps happening. You could also get help from someone who knows a lot about technology.