Lock Hunter

LockHunter identifies files locked by processes and can delete those files on Windows.

Visit Lock Hunter

About Lock Hunter

LockHunter is a tool for Windows that identifies the processes locking a file or folder and lets the user act on those files. According to its homepage, it can unlock, delete, copy, or rename a locked file, and it can delete a file at the next system restart. The homepage states that the tool can also be used against malware and other programs that block files, and that it sends deleted files to the Recycle Bin so they can be restored.

The homepage describes LockHunter as free and lists support for 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and 7. Killing a locking process or removing locking processes can affect running programs, and the homepage does not describe what those effects are. Pricing is not confirmed by the source beyond the free description.

Key features

Shows processes that are locking a file or folder
Gives detailed information about each locking process
Unlocks, deletes, copies, or renames a locked file
Schedules deletion of a file at the next OS restart
Allows the user to kill a locking process
Sends deleted files to the Recycle Bin for possible restoration

Best for: Windows users who need to delete, copy, or rename a file that another running process is holding open.

Good for

The homepage describes the tool as free.
Deleted files go to the Recycle Bin, so they can be restored if deleted by mistake.
It shows which processes are locking a file and provides detailed information about them.

Watch out for

It runs on Windows only, with the homepage listing Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and 7.
Deleting a file at the next restart means the deletion does not happen immediately.