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
    2016-04-21T09:45:34+00:00

    This did not work for me either. the file I am trying to delete is an empty folder. but thanks for your so called simple x3 solution.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-04-21T09:38:33+00:00

    This did not help me, same pop up occurs. and all I am trying to do is delete an empty folder.  the only way I can delete it is to restart the pc so its not stuck in resident memory.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-03-24T23:37:29+00:00

    that is the method I have been using create a folder called delete or what ever drag them in and delete folder.

    If there are a series of files being deleted you can highlight and delete them all but one as only one is in preview window. Definitely a bug that MS should attend to.

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-03-20T15:55:43+00:00

    I have windows 8.1 which is the worse version I have ever had.  I have devised this method of deleting .pdf files.  Crazy but it works!  I make a new folder on the desktop.  Then I drag the files I no longer need into that folder.  Then I delete the new folder with the .pdf's in it.  Bob

    Bob, Thank you!  I tried your method and it worked perfectly! Go buy yourself dinner on me (but you still have to pay the bill.)

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