How to make files and folders undeletable in Windows 10
The most common reason for losing data is the accidental deletion of files and folders. Most of you must have lost files at least once by accidentally deleting them. The best solution to this problem is to make files and folders non-deletable under Windows 10/8/7.
Make files and folders non-removable in Windows 10
It is common for users to share their systems with other users. System files and folders are critical and can not normally be deleted. If you do not want your files or folders to be deleted, you have two options:
- Through the properties of the folder
- Use the command line
- Use of freeware Prevent.
This can be done either by changing the permissions on the file or folder, or by using a high command prompt. Both methods were explained as follows:
1) Folder Properties
The permissions on each folder are usually the same or similar by default, but you can change the permissions individually for each folder. The procedure to follow is as follows:
Right-click on the file or folder and select properties.
in the security tab, select the active user account (or the user account for which you want to block permissions).
Click on edit.
Uncheck the box corresponding to Full control and modification under the category Allow. You can also check Deny for Total control.
<img class = "ezlazyload aligncenter wp-image-196661 full size” alt=”Refuse Total control” width=”350″ height=”442″ sizes=”(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px” src=”https://thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Deny-Full-Control.png” srcset=”https://thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Deny-Full-Control.png 350w, https://thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Deny-Full-Control-317×400.png 317w, https://thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Deny-Full-Control-119×150.png 119w”/>
Click OK to save the settings.
2) Using the command line
Changing the properties of the folder is the preferred way to make a folder non-erasable. However, if you need more security and privacy with the folder, you can try to create a con folder via a high command prompt. The limitation of the con folder created through a high command prompt is that it is impossible to browse it. You can only move files through the move order. The procedure is as follows:
Search Command Prompt in the Windows search bar. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as an administrator. You can also select Run as administrator in the right pane.
<img class = "ezlazyload aligncenter wp-image-196668 full size” alt=”Create a con folder” width=”300″ height=”154″ sizes=”(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px” src=”https://thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Create-a-con-folder.png” srcset=”https://thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Create-a-con-folder.png 300w, https://thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Create-a-con-folder-150×77.png 150w”/>
Type the drive letter of the drive in which you want to create the cunt folder followed by two points. For example. "RE:".
Now type the following command and press Enter
md con
It will create the con folder in the intended drive.
Deleting the non-deletable folder
<img class = "ezlazyload aligncenter wp-image-196670 full-size” alt=”Delete non-deletable con folder” width=”300″ height=”152″ sizes=”(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px” src=”https://thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Delete-the-undeletable-con-folder.png” srcset=”https://thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Delete-the-undeletable-con-folder.png 300w, https://thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Delete-the-undeletable-con-folder-150×76.png 150w”/>
The non-erasable folder can not be deleted manually, but via High Command Prompt. The procedure is as follows:
Open the elevated command prompt and navigate to the drive where you created the previously unretrachable folder. Enter the following command and press Enter to run it ::
rd /s /q con
This method only works for folders, not files.
3) Using Prevent
Some of you may want to check our freeware Prevent. This is a free software that works on any Windows. If you do not want someone to delete, move, copy, rename or modify your data, Prevent may be able to help you.
I hope these solutions will help you.