Tech

Latest In

Tech

How to Solve “File Is Open In Another Program” Error in Windows 10

In this article, we will be talking about how to solve the “File Is Open In Another Program” Error in Windows 10. Click to read more.

Author:Daniel BarrettMay 16, 202235002 Shares853716 Views
After a while of using your Windows 10 PC, you notice you tried to delete or move a file to another folder, but all you keep getting is “Action Cannot Be Completed Because The File is Open in Another Program,” even though you have not opened the file in any program. In this article, we will discuss how to solve the “File Is Open In Another Program” Error in Windows 10.
However, Windows is known to have error reports whenever something is wrong with your system. Error messages inform you that your PC is undergoing some problem and requires your attention immediately. We will highlight different ways to solve this kind of problem.

How to Solve “File Is Open in Another Program” Error in Windows 10 Manually

There are different ways to solve the problem manually:

1. Close the Program to Solve the “File Is Open In Another Program” Error in Windows 10

This should be the first thing to try whenever you encounter such error reports. If you’ve opened the file and not closed it before attempting to delete it, the file can trigger the error message. Now, find a way to close the file or program and try to delete it again. If the problem persists, jump to the next solution below.

2. Reboot your Computer to Solve the “File Is Open In Another Program” Error in Windows 10

Rebooting your PC can clear your RAM and fix all possible other nuisances in one go. This can be done using your default Task Manager or third-party tools.

3. Force Delete the File in Use via the Command Prompt

Bypassing the File Explorer and force delete the file using the Command Prompt. This can be done by tracking down the file path directory in File Explorer. To do that, follow the steps below:
  • Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
  • Locate the affected file, and copy the file path.
  • Now right-click the Windows Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  • Then, enter cd [directory path you copied] and hit Enter to navigate to the file directory in use.
  • Push the Ctrl + Shift + ESC to close File Explorer.
  • Locate Windows Explorer, right-click the process, and select End task.
  • Return to the Command Prompt. Press Alt + Tab to jump to it if you lost the window.
  • Now, enter this command to delete the file (del “File in Use.docx”). Again, make sure you replace everything between the quotes.

How To restart the File Manager

  • Launch the Task Manager using (Ctrl + Shift + ESC) keys.
  • Click File and select Run new task, enter explorer.exe, and click OK. This should restore your desktop to its usual appearance.
Editor’s picks:
Jump to
Daniel Barrett

Daniel Barrett

Author
Latest Articles
Popular Articles