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How to delete a webp file downloaded onto a Windows 10 workstation? I've tried the command-line del /f {path} from the command-line as administrator, and it doesn't work.

Neither can I rename the file to have a different extension. The file is not read-only according to Properties. What is preventing the deletion and how to circumvent it?

By doesn't work I mean several things:

  • The file is never deleted, no error message from command line.
  • If done from Windows Explorer the delete just runs forever and the little progress dialog never terminates until manually closed.
Giacomo1968
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Tim
  • 976

2 Answers2

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There is nothing special about WebP files that makes them difficult to remove. WebP is just an image file format, as are GIF, JPEG, and PNG.

The issue is that some process is locking that file, such as being open in a web browser.

There are a number of tools to see what is locking a file, or to unlock a file, either immediately, or after a reboot, to allow the locking app to close. Try Nirsoft's OpenedFilesView, Crystal Rich's LockHunter, or one of the many alternatives. Of course, before using a new application, check it at VirusTotal.

DrMoishe Pippik
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I tried to rename the folder where the files where stored and got an error message that this was not possible because the folder was open in another program. Yet I had no other programs open visibly on the desktop, so something was "stuck". Rebooted. Was then able to rename the folder and delete the files.

Tim
  • 976