- LockHunter identifies the blocking process and allows you to act safely by sending it to the Trash.
- It offers unlocking, immediate or reboot-based erasure, and termination of the offending process.
- Tools such as Process Explorer and Process Monitor complement the diagnosis.
- There are reliable alternatives and methods such as Safe Mode or Live USB if the blockage persists.
A file that resists deletion or movement because Windows It says it's in use is a classic message that drives anyone crazy. You often reboot, try again, and nothing: the dreaded message keeps popping up, interrupting your workflow.
In that scenario, lockhunter stands out as one of the most useful and secure tools for Identify which process is locking a file or folder and act safely. Unlike other utilities, it sends deleted files to the Recycle Bin so you can undo a mistake, and it also integrates into File Explorer's context menu, making it incredibly quick to use on a daily basis.
What is LockHunter and what is it for?
In addition to detecting the process holding the file, LockHunter offers several direct actions: open, unlock, delete, copy or rename the locked item, schedule its deletion on the next reboot, terminate the offending process, unload DLLs loaded by said process and even delete the responsible executable from the hard drive (a powerful function that should be used wisely).
A clear advantage over other alternatives is that does not erase irreversibly: Sends deleted items to the Recycle Bin. If you make a mistake, you can restore the item with one click. It's compatible with both 32- and 64-bit Windows and integrates with Explorer for faster use.
Among its practical points, it is worth highlighting that provides detailed information about the process which blocks: name, path, process identifier (PID) and related libraries, something key to making informed decisions without going blind.
How to see which process is locking a file with LockHunter
The fastest way to use it is from the Explorer context menuAfter installing LockHunter, locate the problematic file or folder, right-click it, and select the context menu option: "What is locking this file?" or "What is locking this folder?" as appropriate. This is the fastest way for the application to instantly analyze who is locking the file.
The main window of the tool will open showing information about the selected file and the list of processes that are blocking it. You'll see entries with their PID, path, and sometimes the DLLs involved. This visualization is precisely the answer you're looking for: which specific process, service, or application is preventing the action you want to perform.
Once you have identified the person responsible, you can press Unlock it to free the file without deleting it. This is the most conservative option when you only need to move, rename, or replace the file.
If you intend to get rid of the file, you can use Delete itRemember that LockHunter will send that item to the Recycle Bin, so you can reverse it if you change your mind or find a mistake.
In more stubborn cases, the 'Other...' button displays additional actions Very useful options: unlock and rename, unlock and copy, schedule deletion on next reboot, kill the blocking process, or delete the blocking process from disk. These options cover scenarios where the lock is immediately reinstated or the process refuses to release the file.
Unlock, erase, or schedule erase on reboot
- Unlock without deletingIf you want to continue using the file, the Unlock It option is ideal. Release the handle and you'll be able to edit, move, or rename it without further complications.
- Delete to Trash: Delete it removes the resource by sending it to the Trash. This layer of security is invaluable for routine operations where you don't want to risk permanent deletion.
- Delete on next reboot- Some stubborn processes retake control of the file as soon as they release it. If this happens to you, the option to delete it in the next Boot makes Windows delete the file before the service starts, which usually resolves persistent crashes.
- Terminate the blocking processIf you need to get a clean break, LockHunter lets you kill the offending process. It's an effective measure, but you'll want to make sure you don't interrupt something critical or a task you don't want to stop.
- Kill process from disk: LockHunter can delete the executable of the process that is blocking. This option is aggressive and should only be used when you are clear that it is about malware or expendable software. In normal environments, it is rare to need this radical action.
Practical tips and compatibility
lockhunter integrates into the Explorer menu, so you don't have to open the app manually every time. However, you can also launch the app and drag the locked file or folder into it if that's more convenient for you.
The tool works on 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, including modern editions. Its approach is simple, lightweight, and robust enough to deal with typical crashes. Windows 7, 8.1 10 and 11.
A little-known trick: the Explorer preview pane This can cause crashes when you keep the file open to display content. If you see a warning that the file is in use, disable the file panel by going to View > Panels > Preview Panel and trying again.
Remember also that system files or protected by Windows should not be touched lightly. If you suspect the resource is critical, it's best to investigate with diagnostic tools before deleting anything, for example. how to recover locked files.
If you don't want to use third-party tools as a first step, there are cases where a simple reboot or boot into Safe Mode clears temporary blocks and allows you to remove stubborn files, as long as they are not essential system files.
Process Explorer and Process Monitor: ideal complements
In addition to LockHunter, Microsoft offers Process Explorer, very useful for hunting down the process holding a file. After running it, go to File > Show Details for All Processes to see everything with elevated permissions, then use Find > Find Handle or DLL, type in the file name and locate the handle that is blocking it. Then, right-click on the result and Close Handle to release it.
Another powerful utility is Process Monitor (ProcMon), which allows you to create filters by path and observe in real time which process accesses a particular file. This is especially useful when blocking appears just before a service fails, because you can capture the exact event and see the executable responsible.
A real case illustrates its usefulness: when monitoring a folder with ProcMon, it was detected that MsSense.exe (EDR component of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint) blocked the file just before a service failure. The solution was to request a exclusion at the tenant level for that route. Moral of the story: Sometimes local GPOs aren't enough, and you need to adjust exclusions in the security platform that inspects the files.
El Resource Monitor Windows can be useful for catching it live, but if the file disappears quickly, ProcMon is much more reliable due to its detailed tracing capabilities and granular filters.
Safe Mode and Wipe on Reboot
If the lock persists after releasing the handle, start Windows in Safe Mode It's a sensible strategy: only load what's essential, minimizing services that reclaim files. From Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, go to Advanced startup, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings, press Restart, and select F4 for Safe Mode.
Once inside, try delete or move the fileIf it still doesn't work, return to LockHunter and schedule its deletion for the next reboot; this mechanism operates before the problematic services start.
This combination of Safe Mode plus erased on reboot It usually resolves the most stubborn cases where processes react too quickly and re-engage the lock as soon as they release it.
Alternatives: IObit Unlocker, ThisIsMyFile, FileASSASSIN and Tizer Unlocker
If you prefer to try other approaches, there are proven free utilities.
- IObit Unlocker Unlocks items by terminating related processes and offers a direct Unlock button, with support even for environments Mac in his own suite.
- This Is My File It allows you to unlock or delete files with a simple interface: upload the file with the error and choose between Unlock if you want to continue using it, or Delete if you want to delete it. It's portable, so no installation is required.
- Powered by Malwarebytes, File ASSASSIN applies advanced techniques: unloads modules, closes drivers and terminates processes to delete locked files safely. For many complex cases, it's a godsend.
- Tizer Unlocker allows you to unlock files and folders in use and manage the process that runs them. It offers actions such as Kill Process to terminate the associated process or Unlock Handle to simply release the lock.
- Other options like Wise Force Deleter They are designed to remove common Windows problems. Their interface is intuitive, and simply select the stubborn file to attempt the deletion—ideal if you're looking for something straightforward.
Additional tricks when nothing seems to work
If Windows insists on keeping the file locked, a tried and tested trick is to use a distribution Linux bootable in Live modeYou boot from a USB, navigate to the file path, and delete it without Windows picking it up because that system isn't loaded.
Before you go that far, make sure you close applications that might be using the file and, as we said, disable the preview pane of the Explorer, which is often the culprit of a phantom crash by keeping the resource open to display its contents.
Remember that another valid technique with Microsoft tools is Close Handle from Process Explorer after locating the handle using the DLL/Handle search. It's more surgical and allows you to resolve the issue without killing entire processes.
If you suspect antivirus or EDRReview policies and exclusions. A poorly designed exclusion may not be applied in real time or may not cover subpaths. And as we've seen, some blocking requires adjustments at the security provider console level, not just in GPOs.
Key advantages of LockHunter over other unlockers
- The first big advantage is the Recycle Bin: What you delete ends up there, granting reversibility. Many alternatives delete permanently, which can be a problem if you use the wrong file.
- The second is yours integration with the Explorer, which speeds up your workflow: right-click, ask who's blocking, and take action, without any hassle or hidden menus.
- The third is that provides useful information about the process: Viewing the PID, path, and DLLs gives you context to decide whether to kill a process, unlock and rename it, or schedule a wipe. It's a transparent approach that prevents shooting in the air.
- Finally, choose between unlock, delete, copy, rename, or wipe on reboot allows you to adapt the response to the use case, from the softest to the most forceful, without losing control.
With all of the above you now have a clear plan: Identify the blocking process with LockHunterDecide whether a simple unlock is enough or you need to wipe it (now or upon restart). Use Process Explorer or Process Monitor if you want to diagnose further. Consider Safe Mode, specialized alternatives, or even a Live environment if the freeze is severe. This way, you can regain control quickly and without any problems, with plenty of room to fix it if necessary.
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