Cannot rename folder windows 10 open in another program Oct 7, 2019 · "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program". Dec 28, 2022 · What to delete a file or folder that is open in another program? Here's to find a file/folder that is open in another program and delete it. I wont be able to copy/paste the folders, not the new one nor the old one. Mar 26, 2024 · Key notes If you are seeing the this action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program error, it might be caused by the accumulation of thumbnails. Solution here would be to move folders at the end of the tree "higher up" so that the overall UNC path is shorter than 250 characters. Close the folder or file and try… cannot DELETE or RENAME folders in Windows "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program" I own a Desktop with great specs, and a couple of HDD's. But certain file types like Access databases, the application opens the file and leaves it open, keeping a lock on the file folder. Aug 14, 2025 · "The action can't be completed because the folder or file in it is open in another program. We have used Windows 11 in this I created a Folder on a network drive, and I wanted to rename it. Which other program might this folder be open in, besides Windows Update? Is there a way I can find out? Your Windows and device specifications - You can find them by going to go to Settings > "System" > "About" What troubleshooting steps you have performed - Even sharing little things you tried (like rebooting) can help us find a better solution! Cannot Rename User Profile Folder Or File In Use By Another Program , Web Mar 14 2024 nbsp 0183 32 Cannot Rename User Profile Folder or File in Use by Another Program Microsoft Community Ask a new question NT Ntracs Created on January 12 2021 Cannot Rename User Profile Folder or File in Use by Another Program Logged on as Administrator and followed the procedures provided to Rename the Users Jul 14, 2025 · Struggling to rename files in Windows 11? Our expert guide tackles common issues like file locks, permissions, and Explorer bugs. This error can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can try to fix it. " This persists after closing and… Jan 30, 2023 · Fix: Can’t Rename a File on Windows 10 It can be frustrating when you can’t rename a file on your Windows computer. Close the folder or file and try again. com Mar 26, 2018 · Today I'm attempting to rename some file folders and every time I try a message opens saying that file (folder) is open in another program. ” Sheesh! Mar 4, 2014 · I recently setup a diskstation at our office. Please The answer is quite simple: Windows does not permit deletion or renaming a directory/folder which is the current directory of any running process (application/service) like the command process, or any subdirectory of the directory to rename is the current directory of any running process, or any file is opened in the directory to rename or any of its subdirectories by any process with OF_SHARE Oct 21, 2022 · I have random errors when it comes to Windows 10 and SMB security shares. I am just trying to understand your workflow. - Task manager doesn't show my domain account as being used/logged in so there is no process I can find under that user. When I tried to do so, I get the infamous message: "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. For instance, the files or folders you are trying to rename are being used by another program. You cannot rename a user profile folder directly from the File Explorer. File Permission Issues Feb 16, 2022 · I cannot open, delete, rename, or move this file in any way. Our IT department states it is a thumbnail problem, but… Nov 30, 2014 · And yet if I attempt to rename SoftwareDistribution, either in Windows explorer or through the elevated command prompt, it doesn't work - apparently because it is open in another program. Oct 27, 2024 · There are several reasons why users may not be able to rename files in Windows 11/10. Windows 10 gave the user more control over the naming of the user profile. db file and does not currently implement a mechanism to release the handle to the file in a more dynamic and timely fashion. I get the error "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. "This action cannot be completed because the file or folder is open in another program" I wondering what I need to do resolve this problem Thank You Sep 19, 2022 · Windows uses an obsolete process called Thumbnail caching. Mar 16, 2017 · In this guide, we'll show you two ways to reset the "SoftwareDistribution" folder to fix Windows Update on your computer running Windows 10. Feb 17, 2023 · Folder names are important for file organization, which makes it so much worse when Windows 11 doesn't let you rename one. I am at the point where I need to rename the folder but cannot. Another effective fix is to use the Disk cleanup feature and repair the HDD. Says it is open in another program, it is not. LockHunter is useful for fighting against malware, and other programs that are blocking files without a reason. ver is Windows 10 Pro 1709 64bit. Dec 21, 2022 · Can't delete a file because it is in use by another program or process? Here's how to force delete a file in use on Windows 11/10. You're trying to rename a folder in Windows and Windows tells you "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. Otherwise, I receive a message that says "This action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. Windows file explorer, cannot rename this file. It theory, it used to speed up searches back in the early days (read 1990's) of Windows. Troubleshooting: Cannot Rename Files in Windows 11/10 Renaming files would seem to be one of the simplest tasks in operating systems such as Windows 11 or Windows 10. Unlike other similar tools it deletes files into After installing Windows 10 on my Surface Pro 3 it took my user name 'Jeremy' and created a user folder named C:\Users\jerem. May 14, 2024 · Can't rename folders on your Windows 11 PC? Try out these effective methods to continue renaming folders on your computer. We have used Windows 11 in this Aug 7, 2021 · I'm trying to rename the WindowsApps folder and "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program" How can i fix this? I created a Folder on a network drive, and I wanted to rename it. I detest the way Windows 11 forces the use of the first five characters of the user's surname. e. exe, the use trying Aug 29, 2020 · Here you can fix the windows 10 problem of "This action cannot be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program". Jul 17, 2024 · Annoyed by the 'file is open in another program' error? Try these eight methods to fix the issue. For example, it might show: The file name is too long, The action can’t be completed because the file is open in [program-name], etc. In such situations, you need to identify the issue by Feb 12, 2025 · Windows says your file is in use because it's open in another program? Learn how to force rename, delete, or move the file. and just target Oct 27, 2021 · The application opens the file, reads and closes the file. But the files inside are fine. Feb 3, 2022 · I simply wanted to change my user folder name in Windows 10. One of these errors is The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program and today we’re going to show you how to fix it on Windows 10. extremely annoying Nov 13, 2013 · I created a Folder on a network drive, and I wanted to rename it. It gives me access denied i'm trying to change these files. Apr 5, 2018 · When I try to move folders from one place to another, or rename, or just do anything with them I get the message: "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program" It happens even when I try to move files from inside the Recycle Bin outside of it to the Desktop for example. If I then try to change the name of the containing folder or move it via Windows Explorer, Windows 10 tells me: "The action cannot be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. . " See full list on maketecheasier. Jun 10, 2022 · When trying to rename catroot2, you get an error message that the folder is open in another program. Besides, the antivirus software may prevent you from changing the name of Sep 2, 2024 · Windows won't let you delete, move, or rename a file if a program is using it. There could be multiple scenarios when you might not be able to rename files and folders on your Windows 11/10 computer. The folders contain pictures. . Fix File Is Open in Another Program. When I try and rename it (after manually stopping all 3 services above), I get the typical “The action can’t be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program”. and a recently installed D: drive for games and file server. --from Microsoft Community There are different reasons why you can’t rename files in Windows. Oct 31, 2021 · The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program is a message reflected in the “File in Use” window when trying to delete, rename, or move specific files and folders. I want to rename the folder C:\Users\Jeremy. Ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution. I am running windows 7 pro in a domain environment rebooted 5 time Logged in as admin Disabled thumbnails Tried in safe mode No matter what I do it says the folder is in use and this is Therefore, another program, i. These design Nov 7, 2017 · I just went through the steps to change a user’s account name and email after beibng married. Oct 18, 2017 · In the file explorer I can't rename any file or folder. Let’s check the process in detail. How do you force delete a file that is open in another program? Aug 22, 2013 · When for example one create a new subfolder under shared folder or a new file and the file or folder is not opened, it’s imposible to rename it or delete it (file or folder in use by another…). Dec 11, 2024 · How to Fix "The Action Cannot Be Completed Because the File is Open in Another Program" Error on Windows 10/11 There are several methods you can try to fix this error on your Windows 10/11 computer. Sep 6, 2023 · Quick Navigation : How to Fix the Cannot Rename Files Issue Conclusion I can create new folders but I can't name them. Any suggestions guys. Jul 27, 2020 · I'm looking for a quick solution to "action can't be completed because file or folder is open in another program". Mar 4, 2014 · I recently setup a diskstation at our office. That's going to lock up the new files as Windows tries to index the new files. Does your admin see a lot open files/folders for users who are just browsing the share? Do they go away after a while or hang around for long periods of time? Jul 4, 2025 · The file is open in another program, and that program doesn't have the proper permissions to access it. There were some articles that, although they didn’t have a solution, they pointed me in the right direction but, until I figured out a workaround I kept getting, “The action can’t be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program, Close the folder or file and try again. I encode/move a lot of media around, I use windows 10 VM from UnRaid as well as my actual Windows 11 gaming machine to manipulate the files. Whether it's due You're trying to rename a folder in Windows and Windows tells you "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. Nov 17, 2025 · If you want to rename the Software Distribution folder on Windows 10, try to rename it with CMD commands, or open Safe Mode instead. Every time you try to rename a file, your computer may show an error that the file is being used by another person or program. In newer Office versions you can rename the file directly in the application. Would you create a new folder, create a file then rename the newly created folder ( don't copy anything from folder which has issues). In such situations, you need to identify the issue by checking the How to Fix File is open in another program error in Windows 11 and Windows 10 the action cant be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another Sep 18, 2022 · Facing issues while renaming the file? In this article, we will fix cannot rename files or folders in Windows 11/10. Aug 23, 2017 · If you mean by renaming it manually in Windows Explorer, no it does not let me rename it there either. The only that works is right click, properties, and change the name from there. This is probably just the file indexer or the thumbnail database or whatever. Oct 16, 2010 · Hi, I have Windows 7 enterprise with all the updates/service packs applied When I try to update directx it complains about not being able to verify the signature of a cabinet file and asks to check th Sep 29, 2022 · For the last several weeks, my Windows 7 has had a most annoying problem; it will not allow me to rename or delete any folder that contains sub-folders, even when the sub-folders are empty. It's basically the same in any OS, only one process can have read/wie access for a file. Just click on the file name in the header area. Although this error is self-explanatory, a lack of information about the person or program using your files can cause a lot of confusion. May 4, 2023 · How to Fix the notorious tiresome decades old Error “The Action Can’t Be Completed Because the Folder or a File in it is Open in Another Program” For a change not a question/problem but a nice solution I found! Give LockHunter a try, which can unlock any handlers that may have locked your files or folders. This can happen if the file is open in an application or if a background process is accessing it. s. " This is a constant issue for many of us in my company. The error “File is open in another program” occurs when you perform an operation on a file more Cannot Rename Folder Because It Is Open In Another Program Windows 10 The 21st century has actually brought extreme shifts in just how we value and perceive design, continuously going beyond borders as well as obscuring lines between numerous disciplines. Aug 9, 2024 · If you cannot rename a User Profile folder in Windows 11/10, the solutions provided in this article will help you. Mar 29, 2021 · Sometimes, when you try to delete, rename, or move a file or folder in Windows, you may receive a message saying t he file is busy, locked, or in use by another process. Some of the common causes include: File in Use: If the file you are trying to rename is currently being used by another program or process, Windows will not allow you to change its name. can't be completed because the file or folder is open in another program. " Sep 14, 2025 · Can’t rename folder because it’s open in another program (Windows 10): This is another common problem with folders that can occur on Windows 10. However, for users who encounter issues while attempting to rename files, it can be a source of major frustration. " I know it is not. I have actually solved this, but every time people ask this they get bad advice and the thread is locked. People have the share mapped on their computers. All good now Another thing I find very peculier is that I can actually make a new folder and simply copy the contents of the old folder into the new one. What could be wrong?The solution that worked for us was to tell Windows to stop creating hidden thumbnail files and then yelling at us when they Nov 11, 2015 · If the file is stored on a network share in a Windows Server, open the Computer Management, expand Shared Folders, then go into Open Files. A quick way to fix the issue is to end and restart the activities of the File Explorer from the Task Manager. Can’t rename a new folder cause it is open in another program… but nothing else other then file explorer is open Archived post. Mar 14, 2024 · Unable to Delete or Rename the Folder in Use Now, the next step would be to find the application or process that is using the folder in question. Please help. What program has it open, how do I find out or can I and why is this happening? Lastly, how do I rename the folders I want to rename? Thanx for any help! :) Sep 5, 2024 · Unable to Rename a Folder in Windows? Here's How to Fix It. Learn how to fix renaming failures and optimize your file management now! Dec 16, 2018 · Hi Microsoft team. The web search I performed for this issue led me to this forum, saying that the method works in both Windows 10 and 11. Sep 9, 2023 · What are Catroot & Catroot2 folders in Windows 11/10 & how you can reset the catroot2 folder. One of the issues we are currently faces is that 75% of the time, when someone tries to rename a folder within a share, it says it is in use. There could be times when you cannot rename files in Windows 11 and Windows 10 computers. Aug 26, 2022 · Table of Contents Scenario 1: Cannot Rename File Name too Long Scenario 2: Cannot Rename File Action Cannot be Completed because the file is open in another program Scenario 3: Cannot Rename File Access Denied Scenario 4: Cannot Rename File on Desktop Jan 11, 2021 · However when I followed the above procedure on my WIFI connected laptop and attempted to rename the Users profile on my Wifi Network the following message appeared. Oct 7, 2023 · This is Windows 11. Sep 18, 2022 · Facing issues while renaming the file? In this article, we will fix cannot rename files or folders in Windows 11/10. Dec 14, 2024 · If the file is currently being used by another program, Windows will prevent you from deleting, moving, or renaming it. But that didn't help. Archived post. If I restart explorer. You should not delete or rename these folders. Went to "Properties>security" . Now the problem is when I try to rename the folder from another admin account it says "can't rename folder beacause it's open in another program. It will in Jan 27, 2021 · User gets the below error for some of the folders she is trying to move from one network folder to another network folder. Close the folder or file and try… Apr 6, 2025 · If you see Can’t find the specified file, Make sure you specify the correct path and file name error in Windows 11/10, follow these solutions to fix the issue. Dec 8, 2012 · Trying to rename a folder and randomly will get this message "The action cant be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program (and i dont have anything else accessing it). Sometimes, the context menu doesn’t allow users to rename the folder, whe Apr 16, 2022 · Right click the file/folder you cannot rename and click properties Open File Location and see what that does. To check if the file is open in an application, follow these steps: Dec 14, 2024 · Windows 11 brings many sleek new features, yet sometimes, Microsoft has peculiar constraints baked into its operating system. F2 not work, right click/rename don't work, and single left click over the name file/folder don't work. How to fix this? Archived post. Jun 18, 2022 · Thus, if you cannot rename multiple files in a particular folder, but the files in another folder can be renamed, then the folder might contain malicious files. Update 2: Logged in as Administrator account in SafeMode and I was able to rename the folder. Jun 2, 2023 · It doesn't allow me to rename it when VS Code access the project where this folder is located because "this folder is already open in another program" . Renaming folders is a fundamental task in Windows, but it can sometimes be hindered by various issues. Sep 25, 2023 · “The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program” is a common error. However, you should be able to fix this issue with one of our solutions. Here's how to fix it. I'm looking for a method that doesn't interrupt workflowI'd like to keep all my apps/windows and folders open. You will learn 12 easy methods here to resolve this problem. However, the Windows native Resource Monitor utility can also help you find the process occupying your folder or file. When I try to delete, windows says, "You'll need to provide administrator permission to delete this folder" but I am the only administrator and the only user of this computer. Dec 26, 2019 · I edit a pic and save it to a folder, closing it out of Photoshop, which remains open. Frustratingly, it also won't tell you which program is using the file so that you can solve the problem. From the desktop, all methods works OK, but if i enter in file explorer, not. If you're stuck with a cryptic, abbreviated mishmash of letters Apr 16, 2025 · Hi everyone, Windows update rolls back during the patching for Windows server 2016, To fix the issue, executed the below commands but unable to rename catroot2 net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver Ren… When you try to rename, delete, or move a file or folder, you might receive the message, “The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another and then you move this to a another folder with a longer filepath. Nov 4, 2015 · Got "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program" warning for network folders in Windows 10? Try this fix. pc\users\user-foldername But after carrying some of the steps in this thread here each attempt to do so keeps showing me an error. old Ren… Apr 25, 2023 · Fix 1 – The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program Fix 2 – Restart Windows Explorer Fix 3 – Disable Controlled folder access Fix 4 – Disable Preview Pane Fix 5 – Optimize the Drive in Which you created the Folder Fix 5 – Empty recycle Bin Fix 5 – Delete Thumbnails Fix 6 – Turn Off Creation of Mar 9, 2010 · 1325 How can I find out which process is locking a file or folder in Windows? For instance, when trying to delete a folder, Windows reports this: The action can't be completed because the folder is open in another program It also happens with files. Mar 29, 2018 · After I open and close a file in File Explorer, I can't move or rename the folder containing it. Jan 15, 2025 · The folder rename operation fails because thumbcache. Therefore, you need to follow all the situations mentioned below with their solutions. I have an issue with my laptop where I cannot rename files with cmd and in admin mode too. One such oddity? The inability to rename the User folder easily after it's created during setup. Aug 6, 2022 · “The file or folder doesn’t exist. ” Jun 8, 2021 · I've got a folder that I need to rename, but cannot because Windows 10 is, yet again, highly confused over the simplest of tasks. check all the paths to the file/folder have not been changed. I tried all the tricks including Shift + delete, disabling preview pane, turning off any adobe reader in task manager, and rebooting (many times). Mar 4, 2021 · When I try to rename, windows 10 says ". You can use the Process Explorer from Sysinternals to do it. I was logged of at my main account and had no other programs open. There are various reasons as to the cause of this issue. Ingenious design talks are becoming an important platform for designers worldwide to share their ideas, passion, and vision. When you open a directory, it creates a thumbnail image, and if you try to rename, move or delete the directory, Windows will not let you, saying that something is open in that directory. Nov 5, 2023 · Got an issue with Windows updates? Try resetting the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders and see if it helps. "What, Windows? Really? OK, I'll close all the programs I'm running. If you're stuck with a cryptic, abbreviated mishmash of letters When you try to rename, delete, or move a file or folder, you might receive the message, “The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another How do you fix this action Cannot be completed because the file is open in another program?. … Dec 5, 2024 · Renaming a user profile folder in Windows 11 is not straightforward, as the folder name is tied to the user account configuration in the registry and several system settings. It is a free tool to delete files blocked by something you do not know. Some users are having trouble when trying to rename a folder on a Windows computer. Today we have a folder that cannot be renamed because a "folder or a file in it is open in another program". Nov 27, 2024 · If I open a document in the file explorer and then close it, I am unable to rename the folder that the document is saved in unless I wait quite a while. I have a C: Drive for Windows. So now what? :) p. Close the folder or file and try… Can't Rename File or Folder in Windows 11 - SOLVED There could be times when you cannot rename files in Windows 11 and Windows 10 computers. dll still has an open handle to the local thumbs. Find the file in question and right-click it, select close open file and that should release any lock on that file. There are too many folders for someone to actually have all the ones I've tried open. ” In this article, we have listed one fix that has come to the rescue of users facing this file or folder renaming problem on their PC. But when VS Code is closed, yes, I can rename it without any issue. Various factors can contribute to the problems, but thankfully, there are multiple ways to troubleshoot and Apr 21, 2024 · When you try to rename, delete, or move a file or folder, you might receive the message, “The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program. My current Win. Jan 10, 2025 · Fix The Action Cannot Be Completed Because The File Is Open in Another Program on Windows 10/11 This common issue in Windows 10 and 11 can be quite frustrating for users trying to manage files. Unlike similar freewares, it supports both 32 and 64-bit Windows. Please The answer is quite simple: Windows does not permit deletion or renaming a directory/folder which is the current directory of any running process (application/service) like the command process, or any subdirectory of the directory to rename is the current directory of any running process, or any file is opened in the directory to rename or any of its subdirectories by any process with OF_SHARE When i try to rename New Folder, Folder In Use Window says 'The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program'. Oct 21, 2022 · I have random errors when it comes to Windows 10 and SMB security shares. The reason could be that you don’t have permission to rename the file, or you have the file open in another app. Aug 7, 2021 · I'm trying to rename the WindowsApps folder and "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program" How can i fix this? Jan 16, 2013 · The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. Nov 13, 2013 · I created a Folder on a network drive, and I wanted to rename it.