Called “File Locksmith”, this new PowerToy will identify all processes locking a file and allow you to terminate them at will.
Sometimes Windows won’t let you delete a file, pretending another program is using it…even though you have no idea what program it is. Fortunately, Microsoft will soon save the day with a PowerToy that identifies the program that locks your file.
A New PowerToy: The File Locksmith
As spotted by Neowin, Microsoft is currently working on a PowerToy called “File Locksmith”. When you encounter a file locked by a process, this PowerToy can let you know exactly what has its hold on the file you want to modify.
You can see how it works on the File Locksmith GitHub Page. Whenever a file is causing problems, you can right-click on it and select a new context menu called “What’s using this file?” This opens a window that lists all the processes that are locking it up and gives you a button to kill them if needed.
It is still under construction; for example, at the moment the window does not respect your dark mode settings for Windows. However, in terms of functionality, it is already shaping up to be a superb tool.
It’s great to see Microsoft finally release the File Locksmith PowerToy. For a long time, Windows users have suffered from files locked by unknown processes.
Usually this is a good thing; locking the file prevents the user from modifying or deleting a file that is in use. However, sometimes Windows won’t allow you to erase a file, even though there is apparently no open program.
Previously, you had to use one of several methods to delete a file used by a program in Windows. With this handy tool, however, you’ll have a quick and easy way to free a file no matter what’s locking it up.
Some new toys to play with
This new File Locksmith PowerToy is a great solution to a problem that has plagued Windows users for years. And while it’s working great now, here’s looking forward to what it’ll look like when it’s finally done.
