LockHunter is a free tool to delete files blocked by something you do not know. LockHunter is useful for fighting against malware, and other programs that are blocking files without a reason. Unlike other similar tools it deletes files into the recycle bin so you may restore them if deleted by mistake.
Key Features
- Shows processes locking a file or folder
- Gives you detailed information on the process
- Allows to unlock, delete, copy or rename a locked file
- Can delete a file at next OS restart
- Allows to kill locking process
- Allows to remove locking processes from hard drive
- Can unload DLLs from processes
- Integrates in to Explorer menu
- It deletes files into the recycle bin, so you may restore them if deleted by mistake
- Supports both 32 and 64 bit Windows
Publisher’s description
What is LockHunter?
LockHunter is a free system utilitie program for Windows from Crystal Rich Ltd.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit and 32-bit as EXE (Inno Setup). The main installer is 3.4 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation.
Updates and version history
The current version is 3.4.3.146, released on April 26, 2021. 3 versions are listed since March 31, 2021, each with links to its own installer files. The last update is more than a year old.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 750,535 times. Similar programs include AutoHotkey, Bazel and osquery.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Free to use
- Documented silent install
- Small download (3.4 MB)
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
- No update for more than a year
In short: LockHunter is a free system utilitie tool for 64-bit and 32-bit PCs. Updates have slowed down. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is LockHunter safe to download?
- The file is served by lockhunter.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
2BA380C9A643CAF04A17F41D22722595BC3B62BF1855D5DE04816F1D1C2DBEA9· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 3 versions ›| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4.3.146Latest | April 26, 2021 | 3.4 MB | 32-bit EXE (Inno Setup)64-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 3.4.2 | May 30, 2021 | 3.4 MB | 64-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 3.3.4.139 | March 31, 2021 | 3.3 MB | 64-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id CrystalRich.LockHunter -echoco install lockhunter -yscoop install extras/lockhunterlockhuntersetup_3-4-3.exe /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /NORESTART /SP-Related guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- Crystal Rich Ltd
- Category
- System utilities
- Licence
- Freeware
- Price
- Free
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE (Inno Setup)
- Version
- 3.4.3.146
- Released
- April 26, 2021
- Added to the catalogue
- March 31, 2021
- Versions listed
- 3
- Chocolatey downloads
- 750,535
- Website
- lockhunter.com
- winget ID
- CrystalRich.LockHunter
- Chocolatey package
- lockhunter
- Scoop package
- extras/lockhunter
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
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Frequently asked questions
Is LockHunter free?
Yes. LockHunter is free to use.
Is LockHunter safe to download?
The download comes from lockhunter.com, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install LockHunter with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can LockHunter be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does LockHunter run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit and 32-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of LockHunter?
The versions page lists all 3 versions with links to their official installer files, back to March 31, 2021.
What are alternatives to LockHunter?
AutoHotkey, Bazel, osquery, Windows File Manager and Simplenote. The alternatives page compares them.