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: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. 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
  2. Anonymous
    2015-06-11T21:12:28+00:00

    While my biggest frustration was the inability to rename a file while a preview pane was open, I am happy to say adobe or microsoft seem to have finally gotten this bug fixed because since the new release of adobe acrobat reader DC, this is no longer a problem for me.  No "work arounds" needed anymore...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-06-11T17:30:57+00:00

    Thank you for showing the Shift+Del combo! That was useful

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-06-10T10:47:33+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for the update on this issue.

    It seems like even after closing Adobe applications, some of its services runs in the background due to which you have facing this issue. I recommend you to perform Clean Boot and try again.

    Boot the computer in a **clean boot** state and check the status. A clean boot helps to verify if any third party application service or startup item is causing this issue. 

    Note: After you have finished troubleshooting, follow steps under “How to reset the computer to start as usual after troubleshooting with clean boot” in the article to boot to normal startup.

    If issue persists, please reply with the following details.

    1. Is there any change you have made on your computer, prior to the issue?
    2. Are you facing this issue specifically with the files which has been opened recently on Adobe Reader?
    3. Is there any Windows Update which has been failed recently?

    Note: To know the KB numbers of the failing updates, follow the underlying steps:

    1. Press Windows + C to open Charms bar.
    2. In the search box, type Update, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Update.
    3. In the left pane, click View update history.

    Hope the information helps. Let us know if you need further assistance with Windows related issues, we’ll be glad to assist you.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments