Windows 10: Can not remove a pdf from my win10 desktop - solution?

HelloI had a pdf that I couldn't delete. I followed another thread that had suggested solutions, but they didn't work.I was able to get rid of the file by using Mcafee file shredder.Hope this helps others.

:)

 

can't remove a pdf from my win10 desktop

Hi,



Thank you for your response.



We would suggest you to perform these steps and check.



Step 1:
Turn off Preview pane in Windows Explorer

1. 
   Open File Explorer, Click on View tab.
   
2. 
   Click on Preview option to hide or close
   
3. Click on Desktop from the Navigation pane. Then try deleting the file.

Step 2: Check the default PDF application

1. 
   Press Windows + I key to launch Windows Settings.
   
2. 
   Click on Apps and select Default apps from the left pane.
   
3. 
   Now scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type.
   
4. 
   Scroll and look for .pdf, .pdxml, and .pdx file type, then click on the + sign to change it to Edge.
   
5. Then close Settings and try
   deleting the file.

Step 3: If the default app for PDF is Adobe Reader.

1. 
   Open Adobe Reader. Go to Edit.
   
2. 
   Choose Preferences.
   
3. 
   From the Categories on the left, select Security (Enhanced).
   
4. 
   Uncheck the Enable Enhanced Security option.
   
5. Try
   deleting the file

Regards,



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

can't remove a pdf from my win10 desktop

Hi there,

In answer to your questions in the order you've written them:

• What is the Windows 10 Version and Build installed? (Type winver in Windows search/Run command)
  WINDOWS10 HOME os 18363.778
  
• What happens when you try to delete the file?
  It remains on desktop (no errors are give)
  
• Where is the file saved? My desktop
  
• Are you able to delete other files from the same location? YES (tried delete and shift to no avail)
  
  
  
  If the issue persists, then we would suggest you to refer these steps and check.
  
  1. Right click on the file you are trying to delete.
     
  2. Select Properties from the drop down.
     
  3. Now click on Security tab. Click on Edit.
     
  4. Check if your user account listed. If not then click on Add and enter your user account. Click Ok.
     
  5. If the account is listed, then select your account and check all the boxes under allow.
     
  1. Click Ok and relaunch File Explorer and check if you are able to copy the file

This didn't work either



I followed your directions re: cmd and after I found the file to DEL the reply was: "The system cannot find the path specified". I did find the pdf file by hitting tab until it appeared but it still cannot 'find' it. I have tried
a few types of cmd (under Administrator) and it still does not work.

Can you offer any more suggestions?

Thank you

Beth

 

can't remove a pdf from my win10 desktop

Hi,

We were checking on this issue and we would like you to know some more information on this.

• Did you try moving the file to a different location and then delete it?
• When you renamed the file, did you renamed it to a generic type like Test.pdf/file.pdf and then tried to delete it?
• Where did you create this PDF file or downloaded online?

We would suggest you to move the PDF file to a different location and then try deleting it.

Regards,

Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator