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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Anonymous

2016-12-10T20:07:44+00:00

This problem appears to be related to Adobe Acrobat Reader. After I changed the default PDF program to Drawboard (which is great BTW), I could delete PDFs while the preview panel was open.
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Anonymous

2016-12-02T03:53:11+00:00
Anil,

Please read Finkly's post below.

This actually fixes the problem.

The fact that you 'require additional information,' suggest a reboot and tell him to look somewhere else is a sure-fire clue that you had no idea what the solution was--yet you felt the need to post anyway.

Very strange behavior from someone representing Microsoft.

Cheers,

Bob

**finkey**:

Open Explorer. Select View from the top menu.

On the ribbon, there should be a button "Preview Pane".

Toggle it on or off by pressing the button. You can also use ALT+P.

Explorer will tell you that Preview is off, because the phrase "Select file to preview" disappears.
Not a fix, what happens if you need to use Preview on a continued basis? ?This is a short term solution.
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Anonymous

2016-09-11T23:57:16+00:00
Anil,

Please read Finkly's post below.

This actually fixes the problem.

The fact that you 'require additional information,' suggest a reboot and tell him to look somewhere else is a sure-fire clue that you had no idea what the solution was--yet you felt the need to post anyway.

Very strange behavior from someone representing Microsoft.

Cheers,

Bob

**finkey**:
- Open Explorer. Select View from the top menu.
- On the ribbon, there should be a button "Preview Pane".
- Toggle it on or off by pressing the button. You can also use ALT+P.
- Explorer will tell you that Preview is off, because the phrase "Select file to preview" disappears.
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