Can't delete a file because 'it's in use'

🔧Step-by-Step Fixes

Fix 1: Close File Explorer and Reopen It

Sometimes File Explorer itself is the problem, especially if you were previewing the file.

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager
2. Find Windows Explorer in the list
3. Click it, then click Restart at the bottom (your screen will flash briefly)
4. Open File Explorer again and try deleting the file

Fix 2: Find Which Program Is Using the File

Resource Monitor can show you exactly which program has your file locked.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type resmon, and press Enter
2. Go to the CPU tab
3. Click the little arrow next to Associated Handles to expand it
4. In the search box, type part of your file name
5. Look at the Image column to see which program is using it
6. Close that program, or right-click it and select End Process
7. Try deleting the file again

Fix 3: Use Task Manager to Close the Program

If you know which program is using the file but it won't close normally:

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager
2. Find the program in the list (click More details if you only see a simple list)
3. Right-click the program and select End task
4. If it doesn't close, click it and select End task at the bottom
5. Wait 10 seconds, then try deleting the file

Fix 4: Delete on Restart Using Command Prompt

For stubborn files, you can schedule deletion for the next restart when no programs are running.

1. Press Windows Key + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Click Yes if User Account Control asks for permission
3. Type this command (replace the path with your actual file path):
   del /F "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\locked-file.pdf"
4. Press Enter and try again
5. If that doesn't work, type:
   sfc /scannow
   This checks for system file issues that might be preventing deletion

Alternatively, you can use a free tool like Unlocker or LockHunter to identify and unlock files, but the built-in methods above work for most situations.