The Unlocker dialog identifies processes that are holding a selected file and offers actions such as unlocking or deleting it. Right-click a file in Windows Explorer to open Unlocker and inspect the process list.
What happens when a file is locked?
Unlocker displays the processes that are using the selected file, giving you a way to identify what is preventing an operation. From the dialog, you can release the file’s locks or end a listed process.
The process list connects the file-access problem to the software holding it. That means you can decide whether to unlock the file or close the process before trying the file operation again.
File actions from Explorer
Launch Unlocker from a file’s right-click context menu. The dialog provides an action selector for operations such as deleting, renaming, or moving the selected item, alongside controls for unlocking it.
When a file cannot be deleted immediately, Unlocker can arrange for deletion during the next restart. This gives Windows a chance to remove the file before the processes that use it are active.
- Select a file in Explorer and open Unlocker from its context menu.
- Review the processes holding the file and choose an unlock or file action.
- If deletion is deferred, let the computer restart to complete it.
Choosing an unlock action
Unlocking releases the file so that it can be handled without first tracking down its locking process manually. Ending a process is a separate option in the dialog; use it only when closing that program is appropriate.
Files held by essential Windows processes may remain unavailable, since forcibly stopping a critical process can destabilize the system.
Pros
- Shows which processes are locking a selected file
- Offers unlock, delete, rename, and move actions
- Can queue a deletion for the next restart
How do I find out what is locking a file?
Right-click the file in Windows Explorer and open Unlocker. Its dialog lists the processes holding the file.
Can Unlocker delete a file that is in use?
It can attempt deletion and, when necessary, queue the deletion for the next restart.
Can Unlocker rename or move a locked file?
The dialog includes rename and move actions, as well as options to unlock the file or end a locking process.