[SOLVED] The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program.

Windows users have definitely run into the "file in use" message at some point. It's frustrating because it prevents you from finishing certain tasks.

"The action cannot be completed because the file is open or in use"

This blog post will share the latest tricks for resolving the "the action can't be completed because the file is open" error. We'll delve into the reasons behind the "file in use" issue and offer guidance on how to avoid it from occurring initially. Keep reading!

1. 1. Run File Locksmith
2. 2. Stop Processes with Task Manager
3. 3. Empty the Recycle Bin and Restart
4. 4. Restart Windows Explorer
5. 5. Delete Temp Files

File In Use: The action cannot be completed because the file is open.

"The action can't be completed because the file is open" error signifies that a file or program you're attempting to access is currently in use and open by another application. This issue can arise due to various reasons, such as:

• The file is corrupted and cannot be opened.
• The operating system is currently using the file.
• The file is open in another program that has not been closed yet.
• The file is open in another program that is not responding.
• The file is open in another program with a bug that locks the file.
• The file is open in another program, and that program lacks the necessary permissions to access it.

This error can be infuriating, but there are several remedies you can attempt to resolve it. Continue reading to address "The action cannot be completed because the file is open."

Method 1: Identify the Program using File Locksmith

Windows users might encounter a comparable situation when attempting to delete a file, only to receive a message stating that the file is in use. However, locating the precise program or process responsible in Task Manager can be challenging. Fortunately, PowerToys has recently released an update that introduces a feature called File LockSmth for Windows 11/10. File LockSmth is a Windows shell extension designed to identify which files are currently in use and by which processes. To discover which program is utilizing the file, follow these steps:

Step 1. Install PowerToys from Microsoft.

Step 2. After the installation, right-click on one or more selected files in File Explorer.

Step 3. Choose "What's using this file?" from the menu.

Step 4. A list of processes will be displayed. You can select the "End task" button to terminate the process.

Next, attempt to delete, copy, or rename the file to check if you have resolved the "the action can't be completed because the file is open" error.

Method 2: Stop Background Processes using Task Manager

"The 'File in use, the action can't be completed because the file is open' error is a frequent issue that can arise due to several reasons. The primary reason is usually that another program is currently utilizing the file you are attempting to access. To resolve this error, you will need to terminate any background processes using the Task Manager."

Step 1. Open Task Manager by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL.

Step 2. Select the processes and choose "End Process".

Once the processes have been stopped, you should be able to access the file without any issues. If this doesn't resolve the problem, try restarting your computer and then attempt to access the file again.

Method 3: Empty the Recycle Bin and Restart

"The action can't be completed because the file is open" is a common error that Windows users may encounter when attempting to delete a file. The simplest solution to resolve this issue is to empty the Recycle Bin.

The Recycle Bin is a temporary holding area for files that have been deleted. When you empty the Recycle Bin, all its contents are permanently erased. Consequently, the file causing the error should also be removed. To empty the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:

Step 1. Locate the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Step 2. Right-click on it and choose "Empty Recycle Bin" from the context menu.

Step 3. A pop-up window will appear asking, "Are you sure you want to delete all of these items permanently?", click "Yes" and wait for the files to be removed.

Next, restart your Windows 11/10 computer and see if you still encounter the error.

Method 4: Restart Windows Explorer in Windows 11/10/8/7

Another frequent reason for this error is that Windows Explorer, the program responsible for displaying files and folders on your computer, has become unresponsive. Luckily, there is a straightforward solution to address this issue. Restarting Windows Explorer usually solves the problem, enabling you to delete, copy, or move the file. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Press CTRL + ALT + DEL to open Task Manager.

Step 2. Right-click on Windows Explorer and choose "Restart".

The file is no longer in use and will be closed properly.

Method 5: Delete Temp Files to Resolve the "File In Use" Error

Temporary files are often generated when you install a new program or open a new document. When you erase these files, you free up space on your computer. Furthermore, temporary files can occasionally become corrupted, resulting in errors or system crashes. Hence, by deleting temp files, you can address the issue of "the action can't be completed because the file is open."

Step 1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2. Type %temp% and press Enter.

Step 3. Press CTRL + A to select all the files, then press Shift + Del to delete them permanently.

When the task is finished, verify if you have resolved the issue: "The action can't be completed because the file is open."

Conclusion

An in-use file error can be quite frustrating, but there are several approaches you can take to resolve it. File Locksmith is an excellent tool to identify which program has the file in use, allowing you to terminate that process using Task Manager. If that doesn't solve the issue, attempt restarting Windows Explorer or emptying your Recycle Bin, followed by rebooting your computer. Should these steps not prove helpful, we're here to assist. Visit our website for additional information and support.

"The Action Cannot Be Completed Because the File is Open" FAQs

If you need further assistance, please read through the frequently asked questions and answers below.

1. How do I force delete a file that is currently in use?

To force delete a folder in Windows 10:

1. Fix 1: Force delete folder using CMD
2. Fix 2: Force delete folder with a software tool
3. Fix 3: Delete files by taking ownership
4. Fix 4: Force delete a folder or file in Safe Mode

2. How do I force the deletion of a corrupted file?

If you are unable to delete corrupted files, please follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1. Close all the programs you are currently using.

Step 2. Restart your computer and log in using an administrator account.

Step 3. Locate the corrupted file that you wish to delete.

3. Why won't Microsoft let me delete a file?

If there's a service running in the background, it can prevent you from deleting the file. The system might falsely indicate that the file is in use. Consequently, Microsoft restricts you from removing it.

4. How to overcome the file-in-use error? To overcome the file-in-use error, follow these steps: 1. **Close the Application Using the File**: Identify which program has the file open and close it properly. Usually, you can do this by going to the Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc), finding the relevant application, and clicking End Task. 2. **Use File Unlocker**: Software like File Unlocker or LockHunter can help you unlock and close the file that is in use. These tools scan for processes locking the file and provide an option to terminate them, allowing you to delete or modify the file. 3. **Restart Your Computer**: A simple restart might close all programs and release any locks on the file, enabling you to access it. 4. **Save and Close All Changes**: If the file is open in a program, make sure to save any unsaved changes and then close the program before attempting to modify the file. 5. **Boot in Safe Mode**: If the file-in-use error persists, restart your computer in Safe Mode. This mode loads only essential system services, making it easier to manage the file without interference from other applications. 6. **Rename or Move the File**: Sometimes, you can rename or move the file to a different location while it's in use. This can break the reference, allowing you to perform the desired action once the original file is no longer in use. 7. **Check for Malware**: Malware or viruses can cause the file-in-use error. Run a full system scan with an antivirus software to ensure there are no malicious programs interfering with your files. 8. **System Restore Point**: If the issue started recently, you can try restoring your system to a point before the problem occurred. This may resolve the issue without losing important data. 9. **Update or Reinstall the Program**: If the file is associated with a specific program, update the program to the latest version or reinstall it to fix any potential bugs causing the error. 10. **Contact Technical Support**: If none of the above solutions work, consider reaching out to the software developer's technical support for further assistance. They might have specific instructions or patches to solve the issue.

Follow the steps below to resolve the "file in use" error:

1. Close the Program.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Terminate the Application using the Task Manager.
4. Modify File Explorer Process Settings.
5. Disable the File Explorer Preview Pane.
6. Force Deletion of the In-Use File through the Command Prompt.