Windows won't let you delete, move, or rename a file if a program is using it. Frustratingly, it also won't tell you which program is using the file so that you can solve the problem.

Wondering what really happens when you delete a file on Windows? Learn how deletion works, where files go, and if you can recover them.

If the 'Preparing to delete' prompt takes forever to process on your Windows PC, delete files in parts, try in safe mode, optimize system resources, etc.

Wondering what really happens when you delete a file on Windows? Learn how deletion works, where files go, and if you can recover them.