can't delete file because file is in use

Anonymous
2013-02-22T12:34:36+00:00

So whenever I'm in a file explorer window and I want to delete a file(eg PDF) I get a "File in use" message.

I've figured out that this is caused by the preview pane. No preview pane no message and the file deletes.

I want to know how I can delete a file with the preview pane active because I want to check the contents to make sure it's the correct file I want to delete?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2017-06-18T21:52:58+00:00

Hi Gianluca,

This thread has been created on 2015 and was previously resolved. There has been a lot of changes since then and the resolution provided here may not be applicable anymore. Hence, we recommend you to create your own thread regarding your concern for assistance from our community.

If there's anything else, feel free to reach out to us.

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-05-18T03:28:17+00:00

    Hi Guys - I was just reading back and am surprised that this problem has been dated back to Feb 2013 with no solution being provided by MS - its a real shame to the support staff from MS and a disgrace to have a support system that cannot provide support.

    the solution is use shift + delete which gives you an option to delete permanently, hence no need to switch off preview or get new programs installed etc. Just a SIMPLE SOLUTION.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-05T05:37:52+00:00

    Hi Martins,

     

    Sorry for the delay in responding to your query.

     

    We will not be able to delete a pdf file when we use preview pane in windows explorer as the file will use the associated program which will not allow us to delete it.

     

    Reply us if you need any other assistance with Windows and we will be glad to assist.

    This is clearly a bug (lack of foresight and poor programming)  in Windows 8 and 8.1.  It shouldn't matter that the preview pane is using any given app to preview the file, it should be able to delete the file, or even if it just queues it to be deleted once the file is moved away from.  This is stupid and makes the preview pane pretty much useless.  Why hasn't Microsoft addressed this issue?

    It would be easy enough for the preview program to "close" the file and let it be deleted as the user wishes.  There are several ways in which this could be accomplished.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-03-06T21:52:48+00:00

    I have this issue as well, happens with all files in Windows 8 that show a preview while selected, it has nothing to do with being a pdf

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-09T20:45:27+00:00

    I have windows 8.1 which is the worse version I have ever had.  I have devised this method of deleting .pdf files.  Crazy but it works!  I make a new folder on the desktop.  Then I drag the files I no longer need into that folder.  Then I delete the new folder with the .pdf's in it.  Bob

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