Close any program using the file
Open Task Manager and end the related process
Restart File Explorer
Try deleting the file in Safe Mode
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Run `del /f /q “C:pathtofile”`
If it is a folder, run `rmdir /s /q “C:pathtofolder”`
Take ownership of the file with `takeown`
Grant full permissions with `icacls`
Delete the file from an elevated PowerShell window with `Remove-Item -Force`
Use a third-party unlocker tool if the file is still locked
Reboot and delete the file before opening other apps