Microsoft Details on Fixing Error “Identify Which Process Is Blocking a File in Windows” With Built-in Tools

Microsoft has provided comprehensive guidance for resolving the common Windows error “The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.” 

This technical issue, which frequently frustrates users attempting to delete, move, or modify files, can now be systematically diagnosed and resolved using several built-in Windows utilities and free Microsoft tools.

The error typically occurs when multiple applications attempt to access the same file simultaneously, creating a lock that prevents normal file operations. 

Key Takeaways
1. Press Win + R, type resmon, search file name in CPU tab's Associated Handles section to identify blocking processes.
2. Install via winget install Microsoft.Sysinternals.ProcessExplorer, use Ctrl + F to find and close file handles.
3. Use openfiles /query or handle.exe  to list processes accessing specific files.
4. Microsoft provides comprehensive tools eliminating need for third-party software across all skill levels.

Microsoft’s latest documentation, updated July 14, 2025, outlines three primary methodologies for identifying and resolving these file conflicts, ranging from graphical interfaces to command-line solutions.

Built-in Windows Tools Offer Solutions

Resource Monitor serves as the first line of defense for troubleshooting file access conflicts. 

Users can launch this built-in utility by pressing Win + R, typing resmon, and pressing Enter. Within the CPU tab’s Associated Handles section, administrators can search for specific file or folder names to identify blocking processes. 

The tool displays critical information, including process names in the Image column and Process IDs (PIDs), enabling users to terminate problematic processes through right-click context menus.

For more advanced analysis, Microsoft recommends Process Explorer, a Sysinternals utility available through the WinGet package manager. 

The installation command winget install Microsoft.Sysinternals.ProcessExplorer provides system administrators with enhanced process monitoring capabilities. 

Process Explorer’s search functionality, accessible via Ctrl + F or the Find menu, allows users to locate specific file handles and optionally close them directly from the interface.

Advanced Command Line Methods

Command-line enthusiasts have access to two powerful utilities for file lock investigation. The openfiles command, executed as openfiles /query in Command Prompt, displays comprehensive information about open files and their associated processes. 

However, this functionality requires prior activation using openfiles /local on followed by a system restart.

Alternatively, the handle.exe utility from Sysinternals provides immediate file lock analysis without system configuration changes. 

Available through winget install Microsoft.Sysinternals.Handle, this tool accepts specific filename parameters using the syntax handle.exe to list all processes currently accessing the target file.

The documentation also acknowledges community feedback, including suggestions for PowerToys File Locksmith, a shell extension that integrates file lock detection directly into Windows Explorer‘s context menu, demonstrating Microsoft’s commitment to expanding troubleshooting options based on user requirements.

These solutions collectively provide Windows administrators and power users with comprehensive tools for diagnosing and resolving file access conflicts, eliminating the need for third-party utilities in most scenarios.

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