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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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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
    2016-11-07T17:55:06+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?

    what worked for me today-closed the explorer window, reopened explorer, searched for/selected file, then clicked delete.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-05-31T21:45:07+00:00

    Doesn't work!

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-04-28T05:41:00+00:00

    Meh. its other buggy progs that cause this.

    my sisters got a mac and its not bug free either, a few of third party progs have screwed her imac up more than a few times. so again, meh.

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-04-28T04:08:34+00:00

    13 pages of posts and MS is still ignoring the problem.

    This is why people buy Macs.

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