Sometimes when you delete afile or folder on your Windows PC , it expose an mistake say “ The action ca n’t be discharge because the folder or a file in it is open in another computer programme ” . As the single file is in usance , Windows tries to block that file from delete which is expert . But unfortunately , it does not show which programme is using the file . So you have to reckon out the program on your own , stop the program from using that single file / folder , and then blue-pencil it . Instead of taste to guess the computer program that ’s using the file / pamphlet , here ’s how you could find and force blue-pencil a file / folder that ’s candid in another program on Windows 10 and 11 .
How to Find the Program That’s Using the File/Folder
There are many slipway to solve this erroneousness . you’re able to do it from the Windows resourcefulness monitor or by using third - political party apps likeProcess Explorer . But there is an easy room and that is to practice Microsoft ’s own Power Toys app . It is not instal by default , but here ’s how you’re able to install it , find the programme that ’s using the file / folder , terminate the outgrowth of using the filing cabinet / folder , and finally delete the file / folder on Windows 10 and 11 well .
1.First , you need to download thePowerToys app from GitHub . you could also download it from theMicrosoft Store , but it is usually a few versions behind .
2.On the Github page , scroll down to the Assets section . If your PC has an X64 processor , dawn onPower Toys Setup X64 . If you have an branch central processor , click onPower Toys Setup ARM64option . Then press theSavebutton in the pop - up to save the apparatus file cabinet .
If you are not certain which processor your PC has , openSettings > System > About . Now on the About varlet , check for theSystem Typeoption . Here you should regain your mainframe eccentric .
3.To install , start the downloaded file . Now turn on the checkbox besideI fit in to the license terms and conditionsoption . Then click onInstall . In the soda pop - up , get through on theYesbutton for the installation process to commence .
4.The app should be installed . Now open thePower Toys app , and select theFile Locksmithoption in the sidebar . Then start the toggle switch besideEnable File Locksmith .
5.Now decent - get through on the Indian file / folder in the File Explorer that you are unable to erase . If you are on Windows 11 , then snap onShow more options .
6.Then in the pop - up carte , selectWhat ’s using this file?option . This option is available because of the File Locksmith module you enable in the Power Toys app .
7.It open a File Locksmith windowpane and show you all the applications that are using the file / brochure you have select .
8.Now just right - cluck onEnd taskoption here . This will not shut the coating or program that you are using . Instead , it will forcibly remove the file / booklet from that program .
9.Once no app / computer program is using that specific filing cabinet , shut the window .
10.Now you canDeletethat filing cabinet / folder from the pop - up menu or by using theDelete keyon the keyboard .
File/Folder Isn’t Open in Another Program
Using Power Toys provide some advantages over manually finding the course of study that ’s using the file or pamphlet on Windows and force closing it . First , you could find which programs are using a unmarried or even multiple file within indorsement . And second , it does not shut the entire practical app , but simply removes the file from that app . While some other third - political party app like Process Explorer give a lot more control , it ’s unnecessary and requires a learning breaking ball to use the tool correctly . Power toy is more substance abuser - friendly .
Like Power Toys ? Learn how you’re able to use it torename multiple file at once on Windows 10 and 11 .