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
    2014-07-13T15:58:52+00:00

    I have the same problem. I always delete these file by shift + delete.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-06-27T21:12:48+00:00

    This is not as big of an issue as you guys make it out to be.

    Yes preview on a mac is better, blah blah blah.

    All you need to do to delete the PDF is to turn off preview by toggling it on and off by pressing ALT+P

    You are welcome.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-06-17T19:24:16+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for posting your question on Microsoft Community!

    After going through your post, it appears that you have an issue with deleting the PDF files. However, in order to guide you in the right direction; I will need some more information. Please help me by answering the questions mentioned below.

    1.      Do you face any issue while deleting the other files?

    2.      Which antivirus application are you using?

    In-order to fix the deleting the PDF files, you may try these methods.

    Method 1:

    Keep the computer in clean boot and check the issue status.

    How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8.

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

    Note: Please go through step 3 of the Kb to keep the computer in normal startup after fixing the issue.

    Method 2:

     You can view all programs that are currently running on your computer in Task Manager.

     Check if there is any process running related to the file is running. If you find any, right click on the process and end it.

    Hope this information is helpful. Please do let us know if you need assistance with Windows, we’ll be glad to assist you!

    Here we are a year and a half later and still no fix.  AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

    You have to turn file preview off, then select another pdf file and open it and then you might be able to delete the last pdf file that was open in the preview pane.  Ridiculous - time consuming - asinine.  One of those things we'll never understand.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-06-17T16:59:10+00:00

    so why dont the programmers create a way to dissociate the file when we are trying to delete it. i have been a defender of windows 8 but this is ridiculous. you guys are supposed to be making things easier, not more difficult. It should not be a long process to delete a simple file.

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