How to fix File in Use Error in Windows 10 - Helpful Guide

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If a file in use error is shown, chances are another application uses the file. Sometimes, some applications might use background files and cause this error to appear. To solve this problem, make sure to close all applications that are running and try to delete the file. Also, restart your PC and try to delete the file again.

If that doesn't work, you can try moving all other files to another folder. After that, try deleting the folder containing the problematic file. Finally, you can try restarting the browser file. To do this, follow these simple steps:

Delete By Leaving Explorer Control on File

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the task manager.
When the task manager opens, open the Process tab. Find Windows Explorer in the list, right-click and select End Task.

How to fix FILE IN USE Error in Windows 10

When Windows Explorer is closed, select File> Run a new task.

Now the window Create a new task will appear. Enter the explorer and click OK to start Windows Explorer again.

Run Explorer exe to avoid file in use

After starting Windows Explorer, try deleting the file again. If that doesn't work, you can try stopping the process associated with the problematic file. For example, if you cannot delete PDF files, try to stop your PDF application from the Task Manager.

Boot into Safe Mode to Delete the File

If you cannot delete the file because of an error in the file used, try to delete it in a safe mode. To start Windows 10 in safe mode, follow these steps:

  • Click on the Start button.
  • Now click the power button. Hold down the Shift key on the keyboard and select the Restart option from the menu.
  • After restarting your PC, you will see a list of options. Select Troubleshooting from the menu.
  • Select Advanced> Initial Settings and click the Restart button.
  • A list of options will appear. Select the version in safe mode by pressing the appropriate button.

Using command prompt with Admin Access

If you don't want to rely on third-party solutions to resolve this problem, you can use a command prompt instead. To resolve this problem using a command prompt, you must do the following:

  • Open a command prompt as an administrator. To do this, press the Windows key + X to open the Win + X menu and select Command Prompt (Administrator).
  • After opening the command prompt, find the problem file, hold down Shift and right-click. Now select Copy as the path in the menu.
  • At the command prompt, enter del and press Ctrl + V to paste the file path. Not yet in order.
  • Use the Task Manager to close Windows Explorer. We explain how to proceed in solution 1, so be sure to verify it. To successfully delete the file, it is important not to restart Windows Explorer.
  • Return to the command prompt and press Enter to execute the command entered in step 2.
  • After the command starts, you can close the command prompt and restart Windows Explorer.

Use 3rd Party Apps to Force Delete files

Depending on the user, you might be able to repair the files used by errors using only third-party tools. If you have problems deleting files, you can try MoveOnBoot, FileASSASSIN or flexible. Some users also recommend tools such as the Long Path Tool or Unlocker. All of these tools are completely free to use, so you must be able to solve problems without problems.

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