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
    2014-10-31T15:52:40+00:00

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

    THIS is the quick and workable solution.  Turning off file preview does not work until you use the same software to open another file.  There is something in the background that is still focused on the file last previewed.

    Using SHIFT+Delete solves the issue for me.

    At last...well and thanks! Works for me!

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-10-31T15:15:32+00:00

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

    THIS is the quick and workable solution.  Turning off file preview does not work until you use the same software to open another file.  There is something in the background that is still focused on the file last previewed.

    Using SHIFT+Delete solves the issue for me.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-10-31T14:43:07+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.

    Except in an office with lots of people on computers, if any of them previewed it, it's unable to be deleted. I can't just hit Alt + P. I need whomever has it open in preview to hit it, and I don't always know who that is.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-10-08T03:30:16+00:00

    I have this issue as well. When deleting duplicate files, I like to use the preview pane to compare just in case there are variations in the content. I hope in time this will be changed but until it does, I just created a new folder named "Delete" and I transfer the duplicate files to the delete folder so I don't have to constantly turn off preview. Then when I am done, I just delete the contents in the delete folder all at the same time.

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