Another program is currently using this file lỗi năm 2024
While using Windows, you may have tried to delete a file or move it to another location and encountered an error that states, “Action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program,” even though you have not opened the file in any program. There are a number of reasons this error may arise. This guide includes several fixes that may help address this problem. Show
Good to know: want your files to be deleted for good? Check out the best tools to securely delete your files! 1. Check Whether the File Is Open on Another ComputerIf your computer is connected to a local network – either at home or in the office – then it’s possible that the file you’re looking to close is open elsewhere on the network (possibly even by accident!). If you suspect that the file may be open on another computer on the network, you don’t have to go through the awkwardness of asking around the office or messing around blindly on other computers.
2. Locate the File in Task ManagerIf the file’s open in a specific program, you may be able to use Task Manager to solve the “File is open in another program” error.
Tip: can’t access Task Manager because it was disabled by your system’s administrator? Learn how to reverse the situation. 3. Restart File Explorer through Task ManagerInstead of ending the task, this solution tries to restart the process.
4. Turn Off the Caching of Thumbnails in Hidden thumbs.db FilesMicrosoft has admitted in the past that the thumbnail cache relating to files and folders can cause the “File is open in another program” error, so tackling this aspect can help resolve the error. Note: the following process requires you to have the Professional edition of Windows. Group Policy Editor isn’t available in the Home version. If you have the Home version, skip to the alternative method directly below this one.
FYI: learn how to reset Group Policy Settings in Windows. Delete Thumbnails and Stop Caching in Windows Home
Good to know: use these tools to help you keep the amount of temporary files in your system in check. 5. Delete Temporary FilesTemporary files are stored on your computer every time you modify a file in any manner. These temporary files may be preventing you from moving or deleting the related files, which may lead to a “This action can’t be completed, as file is open” message. Follow these steps to remove them from your computer storage.
6. Check the Folder for VirusesIf none of the above methods work, the problem may be more serious. There may be a virus associated with the file that is preventing you from making changes to the file. to locate any virus or malware it might contain. If this does turn out to be the case, isolate the file using your antivirus software, and delete it before it can infect other files. Tip: check out how you can restore deleted and lost files on your Windows PC. 7. Empty Your Recycle BinWhether you’re getting a “File is open in another program” or “This action can’t be completed as file is open” error, your Recycle Bin could be to blame. If you’re the kind of person who never empties the little trash can on your desktop, it could be overflowing with deleted files. File Explorer hates it when your Recycle Bin is too full, so empty it to see whether that solves your problem.
8. Check for Hard Disk ProblemsIf your hard drive is starting to fail, you may run into “File is open in another program” errors. There are multiple tools, including a few built-in Windows tools, that will check your hard drive’s health. Run a scan with one or more of these tools to see if there’s a problem. If you find that to be the case, back up all your files immediately to prevent losing anything. 9. Stop All Background ProcessesEven if you don’t open a program, it may automatically start with Windows or alongside another program. Since it’s running in the background, you won’t even realize it’s open. One of these background processes could be associated with your file, even after you’ve closed it. Instead of trying to figure out the culprit, let the Resource Monitor do it for you.
Tip: if your screen saver functionality is not functioning properly, we have a list of fixes for you to try on your Windows PC. 10. This Action Cannot Be Completed Because the File Is Open In …If your error message includes a specific program name, there are several options to try:
Tip: learn how to transfer user profile data to another quickly and efficiently in Windows. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I find which process is locking my file in Task Manager?While Resource Monitor can help with this, it doesn’t always find the process. If it doesn’t work for you, try Microsoft’s File Locksmith Utility. It’s one of the infamous PowerToys and free to use. You just need to activate it. How do I force delete a file, even if it's open?If you just want to delete a file, but keep getting errors about it being open, there is a workaround. Locked files take a little extra work to delete. Even so, you can try these steps to force delete an undeletable file. How do I delete open files in Chrome?If you often open files in Chrome, you may notice “File open in another program” errors when trying to modify files. To fix this, you’ll need to close Chrome and restart your PC. Then, open Chrome again, and press Ctrl + Tab. This will show you whether your file or a copy of it is open in another tab. Look for copies of your file on your PC. You can use the Windows search feature or a third-party tool like Everything for this. Delete any copies, restart your PC, and you should have control over the original file again. All images by Crystal Crowder. Subscribe to our newsletter! Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems. |