After the seventh version of the Windows operating system, many users found an unknown application called Unlocker on their computers and laptops. What this program was, some people did not understand then, although it was officially included in the installation distributions. Let's try to clarify why this applet is needed.
Unlocker: what is this program?
So, to understand what kind of application this is, you can be quite elementary if you just translate its name from English. Unlocker means "unlocker."
In other words, Unlocker is a program for deleting files and folders that cannot be deleted with the usual tools and tricks used in Windows operating systems (for example, system directories, dynamic libraries, folders or files currently occupied by background services and processes).
What can this application do?
Speaking about the main features of the application, it is worth noting that it is able to delete absolutely all (well, or almost all) objects, including even system files and directories. For all this, you can even say that Unlocker is a program to remove programs, but not in the sense of how uninstallers work that remove all components of a certain software from the system, but in the context that it can delete executable files and downloaded into RAM dynamic libraries.
In addition, there is another important point. The fact is that the Unlocker program for Windows 7 and higher can remove from the system those undeletable (blocked) objects that are specially created by viruses, even though the virus is currently running in the active background. Sometimes, as already understood, in conjunction with antivirus software, an application is an indispensable tool for completely cleaning the computer from threats that have penetrated it (even if the scanner cannot neutralize or delete such objects).
Principle of operation
This is a general outline of the Unlocker application. What kind of program is this, we think, is already a little clear. Now a few words about how this all works.
As such, the program does not have its own interface. It simply embeds its own commands in context menus, similar to how antiviruses or archivers do it. Therefore, the use of the application consists precisely in choosing the appropriate item from any PCM menu (in the "Explorer", another file manager, on the "Desktop", etc.).
From a technical point of view, Unlocker differs from Windows system services in that it allows you to clearly track exactly which process a particular file is currently occupied, complete it by freeing the file, and remove the ban on deletion. It goes without saying that the matter is not limited to removal. Sometimes an application can be used to rename files or directories, as well as to move them from one location to another.
Unlocker: how to work with the program? Practical use
Finally, let's see how this all works in practice. Suppose we have a 64-bit system in which there are two program directories, Program Files and Program Files (x86). The first is the main one for installing application components with 64-bit architecture, the second is for installing 32-bit programs.
We will try to delete several folders in the directory marked (x86), assuming that we do not need them. We consider the preinstalled system components. Select the necessary directories and through RMB select the Unlocker line.
A window appears in which you need to select the desired action. Set the dropdown list. The application will show the progress of the process, after which a message will appear stating that the objects have been deleted. We look in the "Explorer". And, lo and behold, the previously selected folders are not there! What is most interesting, a reboot was not required at all, and the system both worked and works properly.
So much for Unlocker. What kind of program is this in terms of removing nested application directories is understandable. But let's go ahead and try to delete the entire directory Program Files (x86). It is not possible to do this with ordinary actions and methods.
Using RMB on the directory, select Unlocker again. When you try to delete, a message may be displayed stating that a blocking descriptor was not found.
We perform the same action again, but in the new window with the list, click the button "Unlock All". After a certain period of time, the window disappears. Again, select Unlocker and install the uninstall. The process begins, but at the end a message is displayed stating that some objects will be deleted only after the system is restarted. We reboot and look again in the "Explorer". The folder has disappeared!
Should I use the app?
Keep in mind that the actions given were shown, so to speak, for illustration purposes. Of course, it is not recommended to delete such directories or individual files under any pretext, since some installed programs will stop working and the system itself will be unstable. If you are not confident in your knowledge, or if you suddenly want to experiment for the sake of interest, you should not do this. It is better to remove Unlocker immediately.
This can be done quite simply from the section of programs and components located in the "Control Panel", followed by a restart of the computer or laptop. So even any temptation to use the utility will disappear. In this case, it is advisable to perform a reboot immediately upon first request, without putting it off in a long drawer.
Finally
Here in general terms, and everything about the Unlocker utility. Using it to remove or rename system components is not recommended (and in general, you should not call the application unnecessarily). But in situations with viruses or lack of administrator rights to perform some actions with other undeletable files or directories, Unlocker is simply an indispensable tool.