UnBlock

Resolves "File in Use" and "Folder Access Denied" errors on Windows.

When Windows blocks a move, rename, or delete because a file is "open in another program," UnBlock finds the process behind it. A right-click entry on your context menu scans the file and lists the background processes holding it, and you release the lock or close the program from that list.

UnBlock does not ship a pre-built main program. During setup, setup.exe compiles the readable C# source from the src folder on your machine, then removes itself and the sources, leaving the installed program behind.

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Quick Setup Guide

Step 1: Extract the Files

1. Download the latest release UnBlock.zip.
2. Do not run files directly inside the zip.
3. Right-click the .zip, select Extract All..., and extract the contents to a normal folder.

Step 2: Run the Setup

1. Double-click setup.exe.
   • Windows SmartScreen may warn because the setup binary is unsigned. Click More info → Run anyway.
2. Choose a destination, or press OK to accept C:\Program Files\UnBlock.
3. Setup compiles the source locally, registers your right-click menu, and deletes itself and the src folder.

Transparency note: setup.exe is compiled from src/Setup.cs. Prefer to build it yourself? Run:
%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\csc.exe /nologo /target:winexe /out:setup.exe src\Setup.cs Developer note: when setup.exe runs from a source checkout (a .git folder sits next to it), it keeps itself and the src folder. The /KEEPSETUP flag forces the same behavior anywhere.

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How to Use

Option A: Right-Click Integration

1. Select one or multiple locked files or folders in Windows Explorer.
2. Right-click your selection and pick:
   • UnBlock (files or folders)
   • UnBlock This Folder (empty background space inside an open directory)
3. Multiple selected items group into a single window.

Option B: Standalone Mode

Launch UnBlock from its install folder or Start Menu without right-clicking.

• Use the + File and + Folder buttons in the header to add items to the list.

During Explorer Deletion

When Windows Explorer cannot delete a file that is in use, UnBlock replaces the stock error dialog with its own prompt. From it you kill the locking process and delete, or unlock the handles and delete.

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Understanding the Lock Severity

After the scan finishes, UnBlock color-codes the open file handles:

• 🔴 High Severity (Red): exclusive write/delete locks. The process is modifying the file or blocking other programs from touching it.
• 🟡 Medium Severity (Orange): active readers, such as a media player or a file copy in progress.
• 🟢 Low Severity (Green): benign use, such as an idle command prompt or WinRAR open on the path. These rows fade out so you can ignore them and focus on the red locks.

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Releasing Locks

Select the locking program and choose an action:

• Unlock Selected / Unlock All: disconnects the program from the file without closing it. Prevents data loss in your other applications.
• Kill Process / Kill All: closes the program holding the lock. Use this when the application is frozen, unresponsive, or running from the folder you want to delete.

Note: Windows System Kernel processes (PID 4) cannot be terminated. UnBlock still identifies them so you know why the resource is occupied.

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Maintenance & Removal

Normal Uninstallation

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
3. Find UnBlock File & Folder Unlocker and click Uninstall.
4. The uninstaller removes the registry keys and deletes the program folders.

Dynamic Self-Cleaning

Delete the C:\Program Files\UnBlock folder manually and a background task notices the program is missing. It removes your right-click menu entries and registration without an uninstaller or a reboot.

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License (Click to expand)

This project is open-source and distributed under the MIT License.