Windows 11: Cannot Delete, Rename or Move PDF Files in Downloads – Issue Persists

Because the same PDF fails across profiles and forced deletion already failed, the next useful step is to capture the failure rather than repeat deletion commands. That pattern does not prove NTFS corruption: a machine-wide process or filter can affect both accounts.

Run Microsoft Sysinternals Process Monitor, filter Path to the affected file, capture one rename attempt, then stop capture. Inspect the failing operation and its Result. A sharing violation points toward an incompatible open handle; use Process Explorer’s handle search to identify the owner and close the application normally. Access denied needs permission and security-filter investigation instead.

With your backup verified, run chkdsk C: /scan for an online NTFS check. Give Support its findings and the short trace, including an Explorer stall if reproducible. These checks can narrow the cause without reinstalling, but cannot guarantee repair or show that both symptoms share one cause.