This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(128, 8%, 22%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
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?
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.
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.
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
I have exactly the same problem!!
I can't to delete pdf files when the preview panel is activated
the fact is if adobe reader is defined like default pdf reader, you can't delete that file.
I noticed this problem since switching to Windows 8.
To AVOID this problem, you have to use another pdf viewer like FoxitReader but this not the best choice because i have hundreds computers where adobe reader is defined by default and migrate to Foxit Reader is not on the agenda.
Does Microsoft or Adobe which should help us?
I posted the question in Adobe forums : http://forums.adobe.com/thread/1364012?tstart=0
Thanks you for your help
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?
This has been a problem for several years. Windows 7 and Windows 8. Something about the interaction between Adobe Acrobat and Windows Explorer?
Totally unacceptable for this problem to continue to exist. Think how many man hours have been wasted by this bug. COME ON, MICROSOFT!!!
I have this problem with anything in the preview pane, it doesn't matter whether it is PDF, word or even an MP3, if it's being previewed it won't delete, the only solution is to turn off preview pane. If I check the reason, it says the file is in use by explorer, so I guess this is a bug, it was the same in windows 7 and even earlier versions of windows, it's incredible that this glitch still exisit. There is a third party solution called file unlocker which is free and allows you to delete a locked file but for gods sake Microsoft get this sorted and stop the lame suggestions.
In summary Preview pane = total pain!!!
