Windows 10: Cannot get folder permissions...

Hi, I removed an old Windows 10 user account, but its folder in C:\Users did not disappear. When I investigated, I found that there is a folder inside that I just cannot delete (in spite of being Administrator):
C:\Users\test131\AppData\Roaming\AVAST Software\Avast\Cache

I searched the web for solutions but they were all about changing the permissions in the Properties->Security Tab. However, I cannot even do anything there:


If I click the "Advanced" button, I get this:


So I seem to be stuck.

Does anybody know how to solve this by means of legitimate Windwos operations. That is without any third party software or boot images?

Here is a full video of the behaviour:

We have a tutor and a tool for this so you can take ownership Add Take Ownership to Context Menu in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Customization Tutorials

In your second screenshot (the 'Advanced' one) click 'Change' next to the owner. Make yourself the owner and you can give yourself 'full control' permissions. Then you'll be able to delete it.

Bree said:

In your second screenshot (the 'Advanced' one) click 'Change' next to the owner. Make yourself the owner and you can give yourself full control. Then you'll be able to delete it.

The "Change" you are referring to is greyed out...

Linus said:

The "Change" you are referring to is greyed out...

Try taking ownership of the \AVAST Software\ folder first.

There may be a much simpler solution than permission changes. Restart your computer, and then see if you can delete the user directory you are trying to delete. It may still be in use because it may have been in use at one point during your current session. That has worked for me in the past when struggling with deleting user directories after removing the user through the account management interface.

Bree said:

Try taking ownership of the \AVAST Software\ folder first.

I am already owner of all parent folders.

Xilnik said:

There may be a much simpler solution than permission changes. Restart your computer, and then see if you can delete the user directory you are trying to delete.

Already tried that, even while disabling AVAST. I deleted that user months ago.

Xilnik said:

There may be a much simpler solution than permission changes. Restart your computer, and then see if you can delete the user directory you are trying to delete.

A very good suggestion. If that fails, start at the top and take ownership of the deleted user's folder. Inherited permissions may be preventing you taking ownership lower down.

Linus said:

Already tried that, even while disabling AVAST. I deleted that user months ago.

Have you tried deleting the directory through the recovery environment?

• Use Advanced Startup Options to choose Command Prompt
• Type
  Code:

  C:
  dir

  to see if the C: directory has a Users directory. Keep trying other drive letters until you find Users
• Assuming you find it in the C: directory, try
  Code:

  rmdir /s /q C:\Users\test131

  Substitute the appropriate drive letter for C: if need be