Can not delete PDF files in Windows File Explorer

Anonymous
2013-11-19T14:25:27+00:00

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."

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2015-04-07T14:33:23+00:00

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:

  1. 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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  1. Anonymous
    2016-09-03T17:35:56+00:00

    Dear Microsoft community:

    The issue apparently involves the use of the preview pane while trying to delete PDF files. It seems that other files while using the preview pane delete just fine.

    I believe an update is in order to correct this 'bug'.

    Thanks,

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-07-25T06:17:32+00:00

    We have just found that Outlook was causing an issue in combination with the preview pane.

    Will see how it holds up, but bloody annoying.

    Additionally, I just disabled all of the Adobe Acrobat add-ins to make sure and leaving the preview off to see how it goes.

    By no means a solution though.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-07-24T00:57:21+00:00

    TY Jerry  Anil ... Good Work.

    Now if we could only get ADOBE and/or MS to actually "fix" this ... can you say "fantasy-land"

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-07-24T00:45:35+00:00

    I found a Solution that works for me in Windows 10

    If I hold down the Shift and Ctrl buttons then click delete while the pdf file is highlighted in windows explorer it deletes the pdf file immediately after you confirm you want to delete the file in the pop-up dialog box

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