In this video, you’ll learn how to fix the error message "The action cannot be completed because the file is open in COM Surrogate / System / Windows Explorer / Another Program / .exe" on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7.
This issue usually occurs when you're trying to delete, rename, or move a file or folder, and Windows reports that it's still being used by a process or application—even if it seems closed. We’ll guide you through several working solutions to resolve this annoying problem easily.
✅ Works for errors like:
The file is open in COM Surrogate
The file is open in System
The file is open in Windows Explorer
The file is open in another program
The file is open in .exe file
File is in use by another process
Can’t delete folder/file in Windows
File won’t delete because it’s open
🛠️ Fixes Covered: • Close background processes • Use Task Manager to end task • Restart Windows Explorer • Disable thumbnail previews • Clear File Explorer history • Use Safe Mode or clean boot • Third-party unlocker tools
📌 Works on:
Windows 11
Windows 10
Windows 8
Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit)
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00:00Hi everyone and welcome to our channel Victor Explains, in today's video is about how to fix the action cannot be completed because the file is open in Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7.
