# Unlocking Files and Directories This document describes how to unlock Files and Directories if you can't access them anymore ("File in use by some process" error) ## Method 1 Try to close the application that keeps the file open. You can use [Process Explorer](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/process-explorer) to check open files and processes with an insane level of detail. ## Method 2 Use a 3rd party tool to unlock the file/directory. Process Explorer can do that too, open it and press [`CTRL`]+[`F`], then search for the file name and close all handles from the context menu or terminate the offending process. This can have terrible consequences if the handle is still in active use by the process rather than accidentally forgotten. Terminating certain windows processes can trigger a forced shutdown or BSOD. You can relaunch Process Explorer as Administrator from its "File" menu if needed.