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
    2014-04-14T23:55:33+00:00

    You can delete any PDF file by pressing SHIFT+DEL

    Be careful - the file will be deleted permanently, it will not appear in your Recycle Bin.

    This is by far the easiest way to delete a .pdf in preview mode. Thanks!

    No thanks to the Microsoft floppy diks support.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-05-01T23:23:14+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 not an answer.  Please address this issue.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-05-02T08:31:12+00:00

    Apologies if this is a stupid question in response to above.... But 'WHY' can't we delete a file open by another program, if I want to delete a file that should be my choice, when you put your key in your car, it doesn't ask you if you really want to start it? Can't windows be modified so the preview is not an open file?  Someone should read the thread above and appreciate the inconvenience this causes windows users...

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-05-02T08:44:52+00:00

    So it's been a year since I started this thread and no results yet.

    Wow, Microsoft, fantastic support. <--That's sarcasm btw.

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