Deleting a file that’s in use by another program can be frustrating in Windows 10. In most cases, a message will appear saying that the file is currently in use and cannot be deleted. While there may be several reasons why a file cannot be deleted, it usually occurs because the program that’s holding the file open hasn’t released it yet. Fortunately, there are several methods to delete a file in use by another program in Windows 10.

Method 1: Restart the computer

One of the easiest and simplest ways to delete a file in use by another program is by restarting the computer. By restarting the computer, you’re essentially closing all running programs, including the one that is holding the file open. After the computer has restarted, you can try to delete the file again.

Method 2: Use Task Manager

Another way to delete a file in use by another program is to use Task Manager. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager from the pop-up menu.
2. In Task Manager, click on the Processes tab.
3. Look for the program that’s holding the file open. The program’s name will be listed under the Image Name column.
4. Click on the program name, and then click the End Task button.
5. Once the program has been terminated, you should be able to delete the file.

Method 3: Use Safe Mode

If the file still cannot be deleted after the above methods have been tried, you can try deleting the file in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a special mode of Windows that loads only the basic drivers and services, which can help you to troubleshoot and fix problems with the operating system. To start Windows 10 in Safe Mode, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button and then click on the Power button.
2. While holding down the Shift key, click on the Restart option.
3. When the computer restarts, you will be presented with several options. Click on the Troubleshoot option.
4. From the Troubleshoot screen, click on the Advanced options.
5. From the Advanced options screen, click on the Startup Settings option.
6. Click on the Restart button.
7. When the computer restarts, you will be presented with several options. Press the F4 key to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode.

Once Windows 10 starts in Safe Mode, you can try to delete the file again.

Method 4: Use a third-party tool

If all else fails, you can try using a third-party tool to delete the file. There are many software programs available that are designed to help you delete files that cannot be deleted by normal means. Some popular options include Unlocker, FileASSASSIN, and IObit Unlocker.