Windows says a file is "in use by another program" and won't let you delete it? EMCO Unlock IT, a free tool, shows which process holds the file and frees it, then deletes, moves or renames it for you.
Process details
When a file is in use by another process, EMCO Unlock IT shows information about the process responsible for the lock. This gives you a way to identify what is holding the file before choosing an action.
For each blocking process you see its name, file path, priority, memory use and when it started. A list of file handles provides further information about the process's connection to the file.
Actions for locked files
Unlock IT can close just the file handles or unload the DLLs that hold the lock, so the program keeps running, or end the process if needed. Once released, the file can be deleted, moved or renamed straight away.
For system files that cannot be freed while Windows runs, Move-on-Boot schedules the delete or move for the next restart.
Windows shell integration
EMCO Unlock IT can integrate with the Windows shell so its file-unlocking tools are available through the context menu. Turn it on with the checkbox in the main window, and Unlock IT appears in the right-click menu of every file and folder.
Pros
- Shows the blocking process's executable path, description, priority, and start time
- Displays file handles associated with the process using the locked file
- Offers file deletion, moving, and renaming after addressing a lock
- Can integrate its commands into the Windows shell context menu
Cons
- Closing handles can make the owning program misbehave
- Some system files still need a restart
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · 32-bit and 64-bit
What does EMCO Unlock IT show about a locked file?
It identifies the process using the file and shows details such as the process name, executable path, priority, start time, and associated file handles.
Can EMCO Unlock IT unlock a file without restarting Windows?
It lets you terminate the process holding the lock. Restarting the computer is another option and may be necessary for some locks.
How do I access Unlock IT from a file's context menu?
Tick the shell-integration box in the main window; the Unlock IT command then appears when you right-click a file or folder.