Can not delete PDF files in Windows File Explorer

Anonymous

I am reviewing files in Windows File Explorer with the Preview Pane active so I can see what the file is. When I want to delete a file I do right click/Delete or use the Delete button on the Ribbon. However, when I come to a PDF file that I no longer need I can't delete it. I get a message that says "File in Use". "This action can't be completed because the file is open in another program. Close the File and try again."

If I click "try again" sometimes after 4 or 5 tries the file finally is deleted. It seems that with the Preview Pane active File Explorer thinks the PDF is open in another program. How do I fix this problem so I can delete PDFs in Windows File Explorer with the Preview Pane active?

Thanks for all the suggestions. The one that fits my work flow well is Amr's .

"Simply choose the file with your mouse, hold down the shift button then click on "Delete".

It will permanently delete the file, which is fine."

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

Hi Jerry,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft community.

This issue might occur if any third party program is accessing the file.In regards to the issue, I require additional information to make sure that helps us to resolve the issue easily:

How are you trying to delete these files?

As a first step, I suggest you to restart the computer multiple times and check if that works. Because, restarting computer will close the applications that are running in the background and fixes many issues.

I also suggest you to refer the suggestion provided by Tomfly13 on April 29, 2013 and check if it helps.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-files/unable-to-delete-pdf-in-windows-8/39f9ddad-a8df-42d0-a404-eaedf381993f

Please reply us on the status of the issue to assist you further

Thanks.

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86 additional answers

Anonymous

2015-03-02T17:31:19+00:00

Wow- I tried several suggestions with frustratingly similar results- they didn't work! This was quick and easy unlike some of the others. Works perfectly now!

My only thing I will add is that when I searched for the file, my computer did not show the .exe extension after the AcroRD32. I was a little unsure I was changing the correct file, but did it anyway. Works great- thank you for posting the info!
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Anonymous

2015-04-03T14:18:08+00:00

April 2015 and this is still a very annoying problem.

The file is not open in any other program

Turning off preview pane to delete IS NOT A FIX

Renaming AcroRd32.exe to AcroRd32.old IS NOT A FIX

This NEEDS TO BE FIXED not worked around........

All the suggestions I've seen and tried not not solve the ROOT of THE PROBLEM

I pay a lot of money for Microsoft and Adobe products - MAKE THEM WORK TOGETHER PROPERLY

Too Much To Ask ??????
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Anonymous

2015-05-21T04:47:53+00:00

It looks like with version 11.0.11 Acrobat will not start with AcroRd32.exe renamed. It will automatically repair the installation and add a new AcroRd32.exe file when it is launch.

I haven't tried Acrobat DC, but I'm not prepared to pay $200 to see if it fixes this issue. I have given up and have started using an alternative PDF viewer. I'm not going to recommend one, but I can verify that Foxit Viewer resolved this issue for me.
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Anonymous

2015-06-11T22:55:19+00:00

Momentarily turn off your preview pane option--seems to work cleanly after that [under the View options].
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