How To Fix This Action Cannot Be Completed Because The File Is Open | 3 Ways To Go!

Have your ever faced an error that this action can’t be completed as the file is open? If yes you must have wondered “how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open”. This post will help you learn “how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open in” Windows Explorer, Microsoft Outlook, etc.  

Sometimes the file is open in another program and you start deleting or renaming it. It shows that this action cannot be completed because the file is open. It is quite common that you face this issue and wonder how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open in some other program issue. 

The answer to “How to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open” issue is simple. If it shows up for Google Chrome, you can follow these steps. Exit Chrome > Restart your PC > Open Browser > Click on CTRL and Tab > Close the file > Restart. With this, you will be able to smoothly delete your files.

We will discuss details about fixing this error in Google Chrome, Microsft Outlook, etc. Here is a post to help you understand “how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open”. So, without much delay, let us dive straight into the post and find out “how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open”.

How To Fix This Action Cannot Be Completed Because The File Is Open In Google Chrome?

You can easily understand how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open in Google Chrome. Just exit Chrome > Restart your computer > Open the browser > Press CTRL and Tab keys > Close file if it is open in another window > Restart your computer > Check for several copies > Delete copies > Restart your computer.

Let us have a detailed look at these steps on “how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open” in Google Chrome.

Step 1: Exit Google Chrome and restart your computer.

Step 2: Open the browser again and press the CTRL and Tab keys. This will check if the file is still open or not. 

Step 3: If the file is open in another window, close the file, and restart your PC.

Step 4: You can now check if your PC has similar files or have some copies of the same file. They’ll have a marking like (1), and (2) after the file’s name.

Step 5: If there are such copies, delete them.

Step 6: Restart your computer once again and try modifying the files.

With this, you should smoothly be able to delete your files. Let us check out how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open in Discord.

How To Fix This Action Cannot Be Completed Because The File Is Open In Discord?

It is quite easy to learn “how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open in Discord”. You just need to Restart your PC > Hold the F8 key > Select Operating system > Press F8 > Safe Mode option > Enter > Log in with the Administrator account.

Here we have listed the detailed steps that cannot be followed to fix this action cannot be completed as the file is open in the Discord issue. Let us have a look at these steps. 

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

To solve this issue, you need to click on the Restart button on your PC and Restart it. After that, move toward the next step.

Step 2: Hold The F8 Key

You now need to hold the F8 key on your keyboard before the Windows logo shows up after restarting your PC.

Step 3: Select The Operating System

In case, you are using several Operating Systems, choose the one you’d like to run in the Safe Mode and then click on F8. 

Step 4: Safe Mode Option

You can then choose the Safe Mode option you want to work in from the Advanced Boot Options Window. After that, tap the Enter button. Now, you can log in with the Administrator account.

Don’t forget to switch your PC back to its regular settings after adjusting your files. Let us now check how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open in Windows Explorer.

How To Fix This Action Cannot Be Completed Because The File Is Open In Windows Explorer?

File Explorer can get in the way of file modifications. It can also be due to the Recycle bin, you need to declutter it. Let us check out the steps to do so. 

1. Restart The File Explorer

One of the reasons for this error can be the File Explorer. Let us see how we can resolve the problem.

Step 1: Navigate to the start button on your PC. Right-click and press on the Task Manager option. 

Step 2: After that, click on Processes and scroll down, you’ll find Windows Explorer. Click on that. 

Step 3: Press the Restart button at the bottom of the page. You need to wait for a few seconds before an attempt to manipulate the file again.

2. Emptying Your Recycle Bin

Another reason can be a decluttered recycle bin that blocks the Explorer. Let us check how to clear and improve the functioning of Explorer.

Step 1: Navigate to the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and right-click on that.

Step 2: Choose the Empty Bin option and confirm it.

This might help you to solve the problem. 

3. Enable Explorer To Read Files As Different Processes

Another way you can try it out is by enabling the Explorer to read files as different processes. Let’s see how you can do it. 

Step 1: Tap on This PC option and then select the View button.

Step 2: Click on the Options button from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Tap the View button and scroll down. Click on the launch folder window in a separate process tab. After that, click on apply and then ok. 

All these ways might help you solve the problem.

Wrapping-Up:

It can be quite frustrating at times when you encounter this action cannot be completed as the file is open in another program message. We have listed a few ways through which you can fix this problem. You can try these ways for solving your issue. Tell us in the comment section, which way helped you fix the problem. If you still face any problems, let us know in the comment box below. Share the post and help them learn “how to fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Do I Force Uninstall A Program?

A. To do so, follow these steps.

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. Search Add or Remove program. 
3. Tap on the search results with this title.
4. Select the software program you wish to uninstall.
5. Tap the Uninstall button.
6. Follow the instructions as mentioned on the screen.

Q2. How Do I Close A Locked File?

A. It can be done by following these steps.

1. Select the locked file you want to close. 
2. You’ll find a handle in the detail box. 
3. Right-click on that. 
4. Choose the close handle option.