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
    2015-05-18T13:29:30+00:00

    This may allow you to delete...I am not sure, but this "work around" still doesn't correct what has become a major inconvenience.  I know everyone has unique circumstances, but my issue arises from the fact I scan multiple documents to my desktop through out the day.  My printer uses a generic default name such as scan 1 scan 2 etc.  When I get the opportunity, I go back and rename the files appropriately and refile them in the proper location.  Years ago I could differentiate and tell which document I was renaming by the preview.  I know longer can do that. If I am working on several docs, I have to open each one a close them as if I am in "file explorer" and using a preview pane, the document is considered in use and will not allow me to rename it.

    I am sure there are tons of work around, but my level of frustration comes from the point this is something that could be done on past versions that seems to be a bug or at least an overlooked capability that is no longer available. 

    I don't know why someone would need to push shift+delete to delete a file- That doesn't seem very intuitive.   Intuitiveness is what allowed apple to grab so much market share years ago. Rather than coming up with "work a rounds", you would think MS would have the resources to fix it but maybe no one else needs the function as I use it.

    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
    2015-05-28T17:24:03+00:00

    I have the same issues and concerns regarding scanned documents and the need to quickly preview files (PDFs) so they can be properly renamed, deleted or moved to specific folders on my network drive.  

    I'm operating Windows 8 and all Adobe related programs are kept up-to-date.  I tried the "shift-delete" option and it doesn't work when the preview pane is engaged; only works when the preview pane is turned off which completely misses the point.  I'm dumbfounded that some of the MS Engineers either fail to recognize the problem which has been so well articulated by many users or they believe the issue has been resolved by the alternative workarounds.  This issue is crippling the productivity for my office. and has me regretting the Windows 8 upgrade.  Previous versions of Windows did not behave this way.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-05-28T20:37:12+00:00

    How in the heck is this still not addressed?

    Cannot delete any PDFs without locking up Explorer. Totally unworkable.

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-05-28T22:28:22+00:00

    The truth is Microsoft sucks and does not care about Window users and neither does Adobe.  They do as little as possible while charging as much as possible.

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