Fix “File Cannot Be Deleted Because It Is Open In System” Error

Have you ever encountered the frustrating “File Cannot Be Deleted Because It Is Open In System” error on your Windows computer? This common issue occurs when Windows believes a file is still in use, preventing you from deleting, moving, or renaming it.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of this error and walk through 8 effective methods to resolve it, allowing you to successfully manage those stubborn files.

Understanding the Error

The “File Cannot Be Deleted Because It Is Open In System” error typically happens when:

• A program is actively using the file
• The file is locked by a background process
• File Explorer is having issues releasing the file
• Antivirus software is scanning the file
• The file has improper permissions

Now let’s dive into the solutions to fix this annoying problem.

Method 1: Close the Program Using the File

The simplest fix is to ensure all programs potentially using the file are fully closed.

1. Save any unsaved work in open applications.
2. Close all programs that might be accessing the file.
3. Check the system tray for minimized applications and close them.
4. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end any related background processes.
5. Try deleting the file again.

If you’re unsure which program is using the file, try closing all open applications before attempting deletion.

Method 2: Reboot Your Computer

A simple restart can often resolve file lock issues by clearing the RAM and terminating all processes.

1. Save all open work.
2. Click the Start menu and select “Restart.”
3. Once your computer has rebooted, try deleting the file again.

Restarting your computer is a quick and effective way to release any file locks that might be preventing deletion. If you encounter a “Your PC needs to be repaired” error during restart, follow these steps to resolve it.

Method 3: End Task via Task Manager

If you know which program is using the file, you can force close it through Task Manager.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click “More details” if you’re in the simplified view.
3. Go to the “Processes” tab.
4. Find the program using your file.
5. Select it and click “End task.”
6. Attempt to delete the file again.

Be cautious when ending tasks, as forcefully closing some system processes can cause instability.

Method 4: Use Command Prompt

The Command Prompt allows you to bypass File Explorer and force delete files using commands.

1. Press Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
2. Navigate to the file’s directory using the cd command. For example: cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop
3. Use the del command with the /f parameter to force delete: del /f filename.extension
4. Replace “filename.extension” with your file’s name.

This method is particularly useful for deleting system files or those with special characters in the name. If you encounter error 0x8007042B during this process, check out this guide for solutions.

Method 5: Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with minimal drivers and services, which can help bypass file locks.

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Under Advanced startup, click “Restart now.”
4. When your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
5. Press F4 to start in Safe Mode.
6. Once in Safe Mode, try deleting the file.

If successful, restart your computer normally and the file should remain deleted. In case you encounter error 0x80070780 during this process, here’s how to fix it.

Method 6: Use Third-Party File Unlocker Tools

Several free tools can help unlock and delete stubborn files:

• Unlocker: Right-click the file, select “Unlocker,” and choose an action (delete, rename, move).
• LockHunter: Integrates with your context menu for easy unlocking of files.
• IObit Unlocker: Provides a simple interface to unlock multiple files at once.

These tools can identify which processes are locking a file and help you close them or force delete the file.

Method 7: Adjust File Explorer Settings

Changing certain File Explorer settings can sometimes resolve file deletion issues.

1. Open File Explorer and click on “View” in the ribbon.
2. Click “Options” then “Change folder and search options.”
3. In the View tab, uncheck “Launch folder windows in a separate process.”
4. Click “Apply” then “OK.”
5. Try deleting the file again.

This setting change can help prevent conflicts that lead to file locking. If you encounter error 0x8E5E03FA while adjusting settings, follow this guide to resolve it.

Method 8: Disable File Explorer Preview Pane

The Preview Pane can sometimes lock files, preventing deletion.

1. Open File Explorer and go to the View tab.
2. Click on “Preview pane” to disable it (or press Alt + P).
3. Attempt to delete the file again.

Disabling the Preview Pane is especially helpful for media files that might be “in use” by the preview feature.

Prevention Tips

To minimize future occurrences of this error:

• Always close files properly after use.
• Regularly restart your computer to clear temporary file locks.
• Keep your system and antivirus software updated.
• Use disk cleanup tools to remove unnecessary files.
• Avoid running too many programs simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this error be caused by malware? A: Yes, malware can lock files and prevent deletion. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software if you suspect an infection.

Q: Will I lose data if I force delete a file? A: Force deleting should only remove the specified file. However, if the file is part of a program or system process, it may cause issues. Always be certain before force deleting.

Q: What if none of these methods work? A: If all else fails, you may need to boot from a live Linux USB drive to delete the file or perform a system restore to an earlier point. In extreme cases, you might need to unlock your computer without a password to gain access to the file.

Q: How can I delete a file that’s inside a password-protected zip file? A: First, you’ll need to open the password-protected zip file. Once open, you can delete the file inside as normal.

Conclusion

The “File Cannot Be Deleted Because It Is Open In System” error can be frustrating, but with these 8 methods, you should be able to delete even the most stubborn files. Remember to always exercise caution when force deleting files, especially if they’re system files or part of installed programs.

By following the prevention tips and understanding the causes of this error, you can minimize its occurrence and keep your file management smooth and efficient. If you continue to experience persistent issues, it may be worth consulting with a professional IT technician to ensure there are no underlying system problems.