The error message "The action cannot be completed because the file is open" typically indicates that the file you're trying to modify or delete is currently being used by a program or process. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue. Other reasons you can’t perform an action on your file include File Explorer being buggy, your antivirus restricting your access to the file, an installed app interfering with your task, and more. Table of Contents Close the App That’s Using Your File Restart Windows File Explorer Reboot Your Windows 10/11 PC Clear the Windows File Thumbnail Cache Open Folder Windows in a Separate Process Turn Off Controlled Folder Access Unlock Your File With Unlocker Clean Boot Your Windows 11/10 Operating System Get No Error While Trying to Make Changes to Your Files in File Explorer         Close the App That’s Using Your File Often, you get the above file error when you try to m...