How to Fix the File is in Use in Another Program Error
– File is in Use Error –
Fix the File is in Use in Another Program Error: Are you continually getting the message – “The action can’t be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. Close the folder or file and try again”. When no other computer has the folder/file open. Read this article to find a solution.
If you’re encountering the File in use error, it’s most likely because another application is using the file. Certain apps can sometimes use files in the background, resulting in this error.
Close any open applications and try to delete the file to resolve the problem.
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How to Fix the File is in Use Error
1. Restart Your Computer
Turn off your computer and then start it up again. This method will end all pending tasks that may be causing the error and allow your File Explorer to restart its internal processes from scratch.
This process might help solve the issue you’re having. If not, move on to the next step.
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Computer errors can occur sooner or later on any PC, and while some are relatively harmless, others will prevent you from accessing files or performing certain tasks.
One of these errors is The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program and today we’re going to show you how to fix it on Windows 10.
3. Locate File in Task Manager
Look for the file in the Processes tab, which shows you all the applications that are currently being used, whether with or without your knowledge.
Select the file and tap on the “End Task” option near the bottom of the Manager window to stop the file from being used by a program.
Go back to the file and try to delete it again. If it still doesn’t work move on to the next step.
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4. Fix with Microsoft Process Explorer
When you launch the Process Explorer pick Find from the menu.
Enter the file or folder name you are trying to move or delete and pick the Search button. The applications that are accessing the file will be listed in the Search Window.
You will then know which program/application to close; or if there is a process that is currently using the file –
which you can close in the normal way using the Windows Task Manager (Right-click on the Windows Taskbar and select Start Task Manager).
5. Use Disk Cleanup and repair HDD
In some cases, this problem can be caused by thumbnails, but you might be able to fix it by removing them.
The easiest way to do that is to delete them with Disk Cleanup. To remove your thumbnails, do the following:
Press Windows Key + S and enter disk cleanup and select Disk Cleanup from the menu. Select your system drive, by default it should be C: and click on OK.
Your PC will now scan the drive. This process can take a while depending on the size of your partition, so be patient.
Once the scan is complete you’ll see a list of options. Select Thumbnails and click OK.
Wait while Disk Cleanup removes the selected files.
After removing the thumbnails using Disk Cleanup the problem will be fixed. If the issue appears again you might need to repeat this process.
Few users also reported similar problems while trying to delete Windows. old directory. If you’re not familiar with, Windows. the old directory is created after you install a new version of Windows.
However, it seems that you can’t remove it manually due to this error. To fix the problem you have to start Disk Cleanup and select Previous Windows Installation(s) from the menu.
After doing that, you should be able to remove Windows. old directory using Disk Cleanup with ease.
We hope this article has been helpful to you. Please share it with anyone you think will appreciate the information and kindly drop your comment below.