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

2016-05-09T14:28:42+00:00

The solution is go buy a Mac, I did this and it works !

I tried creating new administrative credentials, shift-del, terminating the processes, etc and no luck. We shouldn't need a work around to gain back the most basic function of DOS Delete.

Seriously, MS can you stop making new operating systems that orphan, cannibalize or create bugs in mature features and functionality. This is a joke that basic functionality like delete stops working in W10.

I have been developing software for 30 years and the solution is regression testing and script testing yet MS seems to have forgotten the basic process of thoroughly testing their operating systems. Notice this Adobe Acrobat file delete bug appears around the same time that MS adds "Save as PDF" to their office products. In my opinion, Its either a sophomoric software testing issue or a deliberate stonewall bug to harm Adobe users.

John
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Anonymous

2016-04-29T20:21:39+00:00

It worked for me. Thanks.

But I think it is a bug.

It's not supposed to happen, I think.
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Anonymous

2016-04-18T19:27:59+00:00

Maybe the old program "unlocker" would help alleviate these issues as it lets you remove the lock handle.
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Anonymous

2016-03-20T21:37:10+00:00

thank you, thank you, thank you. Have been through numerous procedure instructions and nothing worked before I found your solution. Can't believe it was that easy.
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