How do I delete a file without 'modify' permissions in Windows?

Question

Only the "TrustedInstaller" has full control, it's a System32 file, and I can't even modify the permissions. I did a search but found nothing. I'll add more information to the question as needed, I'm not sure what else there is.

I'm trying to replace a keyboard.dll with my modded file. The installation as a separate keyboard option in the language list isn't working.

What file are you trying to delete and why? How was it installed? — DavidPostill, Dec 31 '17 at 09:22
If you are certain that you want to delete this particular file, you can utilize this method and modify the proposed target. — Run5k, Dec 31 '17 at 18:18

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 31 '17 at 17:39

The reason TrustedInstaller was added in Vista was to prevent people from replacing system files, as that's generally a very, very bad idea.

If you must do this, you will have to take ownership of the file and add a permission to allow you to modify the file.

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 31 '17 at 14:38

You might be able to accomplish this if you boot into safe mode with command prompt and delete/replace from there. If you're not sure how to boot into Win 10 safe mode with command prompt, just Google it. I have read a few different ways of achieving this so choose the method that's works for you.

How do I delete a file without 'modify' permissions in Windows?

2 Answers2