Windows displays the frustrating message "the action cannot be completed because the folder or file is opened in another program" when you try to delete, move, or rename a file that another process is actively using. This error occurs even when no visible programs appear to be running because background processes, Windows Explorer, or system services often lock files without your knowledge. The file remains in a locked state until the application releases it, preventing you from performing any operations on it. Understanding how to identify and resolve these locks quickly can save you from unnecessary restarts and lost productivity.
Why Windows Locks Files
Windows protects files from corruption by preventing multiple programs from modifying the same file simultaneously. When an application opens a file, the operating system marks it as in use to maintain data integrity. Common culprits include Windows Explorer preview pane, antivirus software scanning files, backup programs creating copies, cloud sync services like OneDrive, and hidden processes running in the background. Sometimes applications crash or close improperly, leaving files locked even though the program appears to be closed.
Using Task Manager to End Locked Processes
The fastest way to resolve the file opened in another program error fix is identifying and terminating the process holding the file. Press Win + X and select Task Manager to open the process list. Navigate to the Processes tab and look for programs related to your file type, such as Microsoft Word for documents or Adobe Photoshop for images. Right click the suspected program and choose End Task to force it to close. If you cannot identify the specific application, try closing programs one by one until the file becomes accessible.
| Solution Method | Speed | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Restart Computer | Fast | 80% |
| Task Manager End Task | Very Fast | 65% |
| Restart Windows Explorer | Fast | 70% |
| Resource Monitor | Medium | 85% |
| LockHunter Tool | Fast | 95% |
Restart Windows Explorer Fix File Error
Windows Explorer itself often locks files through thumbnail caching and preview features. To restart windows explorer fix file error, open Task Manager by pressing Win + X. Locate Windows Explorer in the process list, right click it, and select Restart. This action closes all open Explorer windows temporarily and clears any file locks it created without requiring a full system reboot. After Windows Explorer restarts, your desktop and taskbar will reappear, and you should be able to delete file in use windows immediately.
Resource Monitor Find Locked File Method
Resource Monitor provides detailed information about which specific process is locking your file. Press Win + R, type resmon, and press Enter to launch the tool. Click the CPU tab and expand the Associated Handles section at the bottom. Type the filename in the search box, and Resource Monitor displays all processes currently accessing that file. Right click any process in the results and select End Process through Task Manager to release the lock. This method works exceptionally well when Task Manager alone cannot pinpoint the locking process.
Force Delete File Command Prompt Solution
When graphical methods fail, the command line offers a powerful alternative. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator. Navigate to the folder containing your locked file using the cd command followed by the folder path. Use the command del "filename.ext" for files or rmdir /s /q "foldername" for folders to force deletion. The command prompt bypasses some of the locks that Windows Explorer enforces, allowing you to delete stubborn files.
LockHunter Tool Delete Locked Files
LockHunter is a free utility that shows exactly which processes are locking files and allows you to unlock or delete them safely. Download LockHunter from https://lockhunter.com and install it on your system. After installation, right click any locked file in Windows Explorer and select "What is locking this file" from the context menu. LockHunter displays all locking processes and offers options to unlock, delete, or kill the process. Unlike manual deletion methods, LockHunter moves deleted files to the Recycle Bin, allowing recovery if you delete something by mistake.
Disable Windows File Explorer Preview Pane
The preview pane in Windows Explorer frequently causes file locks because it opens files to generate previews. To file explorer preview pane disable windows, open any folder and click the View tab at the top. Click the Preview pane button once to toggle it off, or use the Alt + P keyboard shortcut. Disabling this feature prevents Windows from automatically opening files when you select them, eliminating one of the most common sources of file locks. You can also disable thumbnail generation in Folder Options to further reduce lock issues.
Summary
The action cannot be completed because folder is open error stems from background processes, Windows Explorer locks, or applications that did not release files properly. You can resolve this issue by using Task Manager to end processes, restarting Windows Explorer, checking Resource Monitor for specific locks, using command line deletion, or installing LockHunter for advanced file management. Disabling the preview pane helps prevent future locks on commonly accessed files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows lock files even after closing programs?
Applications sometimes crash or terminate improperly, leaving file handles open in the operating system, which maintains the lock until you restart the computer or end the process manually.
Can I safely use command prompt to delete locked files?
Yes, deleting files through Command Prompt is safe as long as you verify the file path and name carefully before executing the deletion command to avoid removing important system files.
Does restarting Windows Explorer delete my files?
No, restarting Windows Explorer only closes and reopens the file management interface without affecting your actual files, folders, or data stored on the hard drive.
What makes LockHunter better than manual methods?
LockHunter automatically identifies all processes locking a file, allows safe deletion to the Recycle Bin for recovery, and integrates directly into Windows Explorer for convenient access.
Will disabling preview pane affect my computer performance?
Disabling preview pane actually improves performance slightly because Windows no longer needs to generate previews for every file you select, reducing CPU and disk usage.
How do I prevent cloud sync services from locking files?
Pause cloud sync services like OneDrive or Dropbox temporarily when working with files that need frequent modifications, then resume syncing after completing your work.