I'm dealing with some strange large hidden files named with Chinese characters in my C:Windows directory, each roughly 5GB. I've noticed them using TreeSize, but I can't seem to delete them. I even ran `chkdsk C: /f`, but they are still showing up. They seem to have appeared since February 2024. Can anyone help me figure out how to get rid of these files? I'm using Windows 11 Pro 25H2, OS build 26200.7171.
5 Answers
Actually, those files could just be corrupted data that Windows can’t handle. They aren’t real files, more like system artifacts. Try running chkdsk again to see if it fixes them, but it’s generally safe to ignore them as long as you have a backup of your data just in case.
Have you tried booting into Safe Mode to delete the files? Sometimes that can help with stubborn files that won't go away normally.
It might be worth running an antivirus scan on those files. Here’s a quick guide: boot into Safe Mode, disconnect your internet, and then try to delete them. If they still don't go away, check your Task Manager for any unusual processes, right-click on them, and show their location. If they lead back to those files, end the process and then try deleting them again.
Just a heads-up: always make sure to back up important data before making changes to your system. You never know with these hidden files!
If all else fails, you might want to boot from a Linux live USB and try deleting the files from there. Sometimes Linux can handle files that Windows can't.
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