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.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

140 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-07-16T15:01:04+00:00

    I too have had this issue and I've spent hours trying to solve it to no avail....until today. Opening the Folder Options box and unticking the boxes next to "Show preview handlers in preview pane" and " Launch folder windows in a separate process" DID NOT solve the issue for me. Here however, is what did solve the issue for me:

    1. In File Explorer click on the "View" tab and enable "Item Check Boxes", by placing a check mark in the item box next to it (yeah....uh, over there on the right side towards the top....you got it.). From now on, whenever you highlight a file, you will see an empty check box next to it.
    2. To delete the file (or folder...whatever) simply click on the file to be deleted and put a check mark in the empty box next to it.
    3. Now either select "Delete" from the right click menu (right mouse button) or from the "Home" tab in File Explorer.

    Hope this helps.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-08-17T09:43:00+00:00

    I have had this problem for years - you can't imagine how delighted I am to find such a simple solution.  Worked immediately.

    Thought re checking before delete - activate preview pane to look then deactivate to delete.  That worked, too.

    THANK YOU.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-08-26T11:31:23+00:00

    I'd just like to add my experience. This has always been an issue for me but having just upgraded to Windows 10 64bit using Acrobat DC, the problem has got worse. None of the simple workarounds work and I too do not have the option of using a different PDF reader. I deal with PDF files in a graphics and print capacity and need to preview and delete files many times a day. 

    I would have to go to services and end the prevhost.exe task in order to delete the PDF, not an ideal workflow. I think that perhaps prevhost.exe does stop itself after an as yet undefined amount of time has passed after turning off the preview pane. I'm keeping my eye on it.

    I also found that I can rename one of the locked PDFs, e.g. to .txt, but still can't delete it. Maybe this snippet of info will help Microsoft fix the bug;)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-08-26T17:26:38+00:00

    Your example of workflow impairment is exactly why this problem is such an issue.

    When it comes down to dealing with many PDF files on a daily basis , and needing to preview them, access them, and delete them, this issue is a nightmare!

    Microshaft really needs to fix their core issues and stop with the shanty work-around "solutions". Oh and by the by MS, windows 10 is absolutely bad.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments