Windows 10: Why can't I delete files from Desktop?

Discus and support Why can't I delete files from Desktop? in Windows 10 Network and Sharing to solve the problem; Win10 fully updated.I go into File Explorer and open the Desktop folder.I select several files for example, PDF's that I want to delete.I click... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Network and Sharing' started by mwidunn72, Jun 14, 2025 at 6:57 PM.

  1. MWIDUNN72
    mwidunn72 Win User

    Why can't I delete files from Desktop?


    Win10 fully updated.I go into File Explorer and open the Desktop folder.I select several files for example, PDF's that I want to delete.I click "Delete" in the ribbon . . . or, press CTL+D . . . or, press the Delete key on my computer.Nothing happens.I can delete each file individually -- but, apparently not as a group.This started happening about 15 minutes ago. So, it is very recent.I have emptied Recycle Bin. I have re-started the computer. No change. The files will not delete.Any ideas?

    :)
     
    mwidunn72, Jun 14, 2025 at 6:57 PM
    #1
  2. MOHANC
    MohanC Win User

    windows 10 deleted my desktop files

    Step 1 - I upgraded to Win 10 and lost all my files on Desktop.

    Step 2 - Found the files in Network - USers- Desktop

    copied all files again to desktop.

    Step 3- Restarted my machine again and lost desktop files again.

    Step 4 - As suggested did the following as listed below but dont find my files.

    • Press “Windows + E”, open This PC/Computer
    • Open Local Disc C, open Windows.old
    • Click on Users, select your User name
    • Go to desktop folder
    Cant find my files. Why is Win 10 deleted files again and again from Desktop ?.
     
    MohanC, Jun 14, 2025 at 6:59 PM
    #2
  3. REBO&ZOOTY
    Rebo&Zooty Win User
    Cant Delete Files From Desktop

    Well, ran into a weird bug with vista, for some reason i cant delete files from desktop, this normaly happens to .exe files, the ONLY fix seems to be to KILL explorer.exe, and delete the file, then restat explorer, anybody got any idea why this happens?
     
    Rebo&Zooty, Jun 14, 2025 at 6:59 PM
    #3
  4. TRY3
    Try3 Win User

    Why can't I delete files from Desktop?

    Deleted icons stay on desktop (not in desktop folder)

    I can only suggest that you
    1 Add a list of steps you have already taken.
    2 Add a comment about restarting the computer. Do the deleted icons disappear then?
    2 Add a comment explaining if any Desktop items do delete correctly and whether or not there are any significant differences between those that do delete correctly and those that don't.
    3 Add a list of any OS tweaks you have done & any third-party OS-related utilities you have run.

    I assume you have already reinstalled your display driver.
    I don't see a Repair install as being relevant. Repair Install - TenForumsTutorials

    Denis
     
    Try3, Jun 14, 2025 at 6:59 PM
    #4
Thema:

Why can't I delete files from Desktop?

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