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“File in use” error on Windows 10 [Fix]
13 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
TheFile in useerror message usually appears when you try to delete a certain file while it’s being used by a different application or a user. This can be an annoying error, so today we’re going to show you how to fix it onWindows 10.
How do I fix the file in use error?
1. File in use error
1.1. Uninstall the problematic applications
Third-party applications can sometimes cause theFile in useerror to appear. Users reported that this problem occurred while working with ISO files. According to them, the cause of the problem was an application calledVirtual Clone Drive.
After removing the Virtual Clone Drive, the error was resolved completely.
One way to instantly get rid of any kind of software from your PC is to go for a professional uninstaller.
While you have the option to remove anything from the Add or remove programs in Windows, we suggest you to use dedicateduninstaller software.
Removing from Windows will leave behind some files associated with the problematic application. This will prevent a future reinstallation and cause all sorts of issues.
Dedicated software can find and successfully remove all files related to the app you want to delete. They can also completely uninstall stubborn apps that can’t be removed using the Add or remove panel.
1.2. Close all running applications
If you’re getting theFile in useerror, it’s most likely that the file is being used by a different application. Sometimes, certain apps can use files in the background and cause this error to appear.
To fix the issue, be sure to close all running applications and try to delete the file. In addition, restart your PC and try to delete the file again.
If that doesn’t work, you might want to try moving all other files to a different folder. After doing that, try to delete the folder that has the problematic file in it. Lastly, you can try restartingFile Explorer.
Once Windows Explorer starts, try to delete the file again. If that doesn’t work, you can try to terminate the process that’s related to the problematic file. For example, if you can’t delete aPDFfile, try terminating your PDF application from Task Manager.
1.3. Try to delete the file from Safe Mode
If you can’t delete a file due to theFile in useerror, you might want to try removing it fromSafe Mode. Once the Safe Mode starts, try to delete the file again.
1.4. Use Command Prompt
If you don’t want to rely on third-party solutions to fix this problem, you can useCommand Promptinstead.
1.5. Change the file extension of the problematic file
According to users, you might be able to fix this problem simply by changing the file extension of the problematic file. In order to do that, first you need to turn on the option to show file extensions. To do that, follow these steps:
After you change the file extension, try to delete the file again.
1.6. Switch to Details view
According to users,theFile in useerror can appear due to yourthumbnails. Sometimes, Windows has issues unloading thumbnails, preventing you from deleting your files.
To fix the problem, you just have to switch to Details view in File Explorer and you should be able to delete the file.
After switching to Details view, all thumbnails will be disabled and you should be able to delete the file. Users suggest moving the file to Desktop and closing the File Explorer window.
By doing so, the preview pane won’t be available and you should be able to delete the problematic file with ease.
1.7. Disable thumbnail generation
If you can’t access Group Policy Editor, you can disable thumbnail generation usingRegistry Editor. To do that, follow these steps:
If you’re having problems with this error, you might be able to fix it by disabling thumbnail generation. You can do that by using theGroup Policy Editor. This solution applies to network drives, but it might work for your local drive as well.
1.8. Use OpenFilesView tool
Another third-party application that can help you with this problem is OpenFilesView tools. The application is simple to use.
This is a simple application that allows you to close all processes related to a specific file. If the problematic file isn’t available on the list, you might have to try a different solution.
1.9. Use Process Explorer
Several users reported that you might be able to fix the problem by using Process Explorer.
Keep in mind that you might have to repeat this process few times in order to close all related applications. We have to mention that Process Explorer is an advanced tool, so you might find it hard to use if you’re a novice user.
1.10. Make sure that file isn’t blocked
Sometimes, theFile in useerror can appear if the file you’re trying to delete is blocked. Windows sometimes blocks downloaded files in order to protect you from malware. Although this feature can be useful, it can also prevent you from removing certain files.
After unblocking the file, try to delete it again. If you can’t find theUnblockbutton in thePropertieswindow, it means that the file is already unblocked, so you should try a different solution.
1.11. Remove the virtual hard drive
A few users reported that theFile in useerror appears while trying to remove a virtualhard drive.vhdx file. To fix this problem, you need to remove the virtual hard drive from your PC.
Keep in mind that this solution only applies when deleting virtual hard drive files. If you have this problem with any other type of file, you should try a different solution.
1.12. Use Resource Monitor
If you can’t delete a specific file, you might be able to solve the problem by using Resource Monitor, a Windows application that can give you a lot of information about open applications and files.
Keep in mind that sometimes you won’t be able to find the problematic file using Resource Monitor. If that happens, you might have to check each process one by one and check the list of all associated handles.
If you manage to find the folder that has the problematic file, you’ll be able to determine which application is using it. Resource Monitor is an advanced tool, so it might take you a while to get used to it especially if you’re a first time user.
2. How do I fix the File in use error in Excel?
2.1. Create a registry file and add it to your registry
According to users, you might be able to fix theFile in useerror while openingExcelfiles by creating a .reg file and adding it to your registry.
Keep in mind that this solution will modify your registry, therefore it’s advised to create a backup orSystem Restore point.
2.2. Disable the preview pane
Users claim you can fix this problem simply by disabling the preview pane in File Explorer. We already explained how to do that in one of our previous solutions, so be sure to check it out.
2.3. Check the file name
The Filein useerror can appear if the file name of your Excel document is too long. If the file name is too long, Excel can’t create the lock file.
To fix the issue, you need to locate your Excel file and shorten its name. After renaming the file, you should be able to access it without issues.
2.4. Delete the hidden lock file
Excel usually creates a temporary lock file alongside your Excel document. According to users, you simply have to locate and remove the lock file in order to fix this error.
After removing the lock file, you should be able to access your Excel document without any issues.
2.5. Check the personal.xlsb file
According to users, theFile in useerror in Excel appears after adding macros to the personal.xlsb file. To fix the problem, you need to find and delete that file.
After doing that, you should be able to start Excel without any problems.
The Filein useerror is an annoying problem that will prevent you from accessing your files. If you have this error on your PC, be sure to try some of our solutions and let us know how it works out for you!
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
