The operation cannot be completed because this file is open in another

It often happens that a cannot perform an operation on a file – rename, move, delete, etc. When trying to do so, an error window appears: "The operation cannot be completed because this file is open in another program." Depending on the situation, it can be System, Java, Steam, Origin, Google Chrome, Thumbs, etc. The error is also common in folders, or in viruses. Let's explore the possible solutions. We guarantee that among all the options you will find the right solution for you.

The operation cannot be completed when the folder is deleted

Reason for blocking the operation

As the box notification suggests, there is some program running (occupying) the file of interest. It is likely that these are hidden processes in the tray or in the background, that is, there is no visual window with a specific application.

The most frequent cases of occurrence of errors:

• The file is running on the player;
• photo, document, text open in view mode;
• properties are open on the screen;
• the game runs through a client (Steam, Origin)
• Attempt to delete folder with running software (System, Java);
• (including torrents);
• mounted image.

The bottom line is that the access denial occurs while the file is in use, either by the OS or by third-party software.

Fix “Cannot complete operation” error

All methods are divided into 2 principles. In the first, we find out which app is using the file, and in the second, we use workarounds when it can't be unlocked. Let's look at the standard solutions:

Check which source (program, folder) the message points to and close it, preferably via Task Manager. If that doesn't help, absolutely disable all active programs and try again.

Reboot: Options

• In most cases, a normal reboot will unlock the file, because it is usually used by the running application. This means that it is worth trying a reset and then immediately trying to perform the required action.
• In rarer cases, a normal reboot does not help. The reason is that some applications or their processes are started with the system boot. To solve the problem in this context and not get into the Registry or the list of services, we recommend using “Safe Mode”. Entering it is quite simple. Select restart or shutdown and press the F8 key while the operating system is booting. If a selection menu appears, select the normal Safe Mode. After performing the necessary actions, simply reboot the system and everything will be as before. Try changing a locked file via Safe Mode

unlock utility

An alien but effective means of unlocking a busy file. It is useful for both the inexperienced and the advanced as it avoids complicated manipulations. It is elementally simple to use:

1. Go to a trusted resource and Anlocker 1.9.2. It is free software.
2. When installing it, select Advanced and uncheck all the boxes to prevent sponsor toolbars from being installed as well.
3. After installation, right-clicking on the problem file will bring up a menu with the line “Unlocker”.
4. Click on it, and a window will appear in which you have to select the action you want to perform.
5. Wait for it to complete. Unlocker 1.9.2

The general algorithm of Unlocker is extremely simple: you open a folder or file through it, the program tells you if it has "Lock Descriptors" and allows you to perform the necessary actions.

What else can you do?

• Check your system with an antivirus: AdwCleaner and MalwareBytes will help you. Viruses often block access to infected objects.
• Clean temporary files and cache, as well as repair the Windows Registry - the CCleaner utility will help you.
• Disable antivirus while operations last. Also check your Quarantine: there are times when a file is detected as dangerous and is blocked.

For the advanced.

More complex manipulations are recommended for advanced s. For example, for our purposes the System Settings menu is used.

1. In the search bar or in the console "Run". write:MSCONFIG
2. On the tab. "Load". select the same "Safe Mode"if you need to, but that the system will always go into this mode after a reboot, until you return the settings to their original state. Check the "Startup" and "Autorun" settings
3. Examine the autoloader menu. Some application is working with the file. Of course, simply disable it to regain access.
4. In the Services menu, you can find the running processes. Check the box at the bottom of the window to hide the system ones and the others can be unchecked one by one to find the culprit.

You can also use "Resource Monitor"In the "Resource Monitor" tab, open the "U" tab and enter the name of the locked file in the "Linked Descriptors" line. The results show that the associated processes have terminated.

Blocker Tracking via Resource Monitor

Botton line

This problem is usually quite easy to solve, and is caused by the direct use of the file by the . However, other situations are also possible. We hope that the message "The operation cannot be completed because this file is open in another" does not bother you after reading our instructions.