How to Fix ‘Can’t Delete File Because It’s Open in Windows Explorer

If you’ve ever tried to delete a file on your Windows computer only to be met with the frustrating message, “Can’t delete file because it’s open in Windows Explorer,” you’re not alone. This error often occurs when a file is being used by a program or process, even though it might seem like nothing is open. Fortunately, there are several ways you can troubleshoot and resolve this issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fix the problem and delete the file without any hassle.

1. Close the File in Windows Explorer

The first and simplest step is to check if the file is still open in Windows Explorer or another program. Sometimes, Windows Explorer itself could be holding onto the file, making it impossible to delete.

• Step 1: Open the folder containing the file you want to delete.
• Step 2: Check to make sure the file isn’t being previewed or opened in any other window.
• Step 3: Close any windows or applications that might have the file open.

If the file is still locked, try closing the Windows Explorer window entirely and opening a new one to see if that resolves the issue.

2. Use Task Manager to Close Programs Using the File

If closing the Windows Explorer window doesn’t help, a program or background process might still be using the file.

• Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Step 2: Under the “Processes” tab, look for any programs or applications that could be using the file. For example, if you’re trying to delete a video file, make sure a media player isn’t running in the background.
• Step 3: Select the application and click “End Task” to close it.

Once the program is closed, try deleting the file again.

3. Use the ‘Close Handle’ Tool

Sometimes, the file might be locked by a background process that you can’t easily identify. The free utility LockHunter can help in this situation.

• Step 1: Download and install LockHunter from the official website.
• Step 2: Right-click the file you want to delete and choose “What is locking this file?” from the context menu.
• Step 3: LockHunter will show you which processes are using the file. You can then choose to unlock the file or force its deletion.

4. Reboot Your Computer

If the file remains stubbornly locked, rebooting your system can often resolve the issue. Restarting your computer forces all processes and applications to close, which can release any file locks.

• Step 1: Save your work and close any open programs.
• Step 2: Restart your computer.

Once the computer boots back up, try deleting the file again.

5. Use Safe Mode

If a file still refuses to delete, it might be being held by a system process that runs in the background. Booting into Safe Mode disables most non-essential services, which can help you delete the stubborn file.

• Step 1: Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
• Step 2: Go to the “Boot” tab, check the “Safe boot” option, and choose “Minimal.”
• Step 3: Click “OK” and then restart your computer.

Once in Safe Mode, try deleting the file again. Afterward, return to the System Configuration window and uncheck “Safe boot” to return to normal mode.

6. Use Command Prompt to Delete the File

Another effective way to force-delete a file is through the Command Prompt.

• Step 1: Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
• Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter:

  del /f /q "C:\path\to\file\filename.ext"
  

  Replace the C:\path\to\file\filename.ext with the actual path and name of the file you want to delete. The /f flag forces the deletion, and /q suppresses confirmation prompts.

• Step 3: After running the command, the file should be deleted if no process is actively using it.

7. Check for Malware

In some cases, malware or unwanted software can lock files to prevent them from being deleted. If none of the previous solutions work, consider running a full system scan using Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus tool to check for malware.

• Step 1: Open Windows Security by searching for “Windows Security” in the Start menu.
• Step 2: Click on “Virus & Threat Protection,” then choose “Quick Scan” or “Full Scan” for a deeper check.
• Step 3: If any malware is detected, follow the prompts to remove it and then try deleting the file again.

8. Use Third-Party File Unlockers

If all else fails, you can use third-party file unlockers like Unlocker or IObit Unlocker, which can help you delete files that are locked by the system or third-party processes.

• Step 1: Download and install a file unlocker tool like Unlocker or IObit Unlocker.
• Step 2: Right-click on the locked file and select the option to unlock or delete it using the tool.
• Step 3: Follow the prompts to either unlock or force delete the file.

Conclusion

If you’re unable to delete a file because it’s open in Windows Explorer, don’t panic! There are multiple solutions you can try, ranging from closing apps and processes to using third-party tools. Whether you choose to use Task Manager, restart your computer, or take advantage of file unlocker software, you should be able to resolve the issue and delete the file in no time.