After uploading a file to any form, you will not be able to delete the file from your local systemSummaryUsers might encounter this situation where after uploading an attachment to any record within the platform, they will not be able to delete the file from their local system. They will get a system message similar to what's shown below. Related LinksUsers would encounter this issue when they try to delete, move or rename a file on a Windows computer. The issue typically happens with Microsoft Office files (Word and Excel files) and PDF files (but not restricted). The issue is not specific to a certain Windows version as it’s encountered on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. We investigated this particular issue by looking at various user reports and the repair strategies that they used to get the issue resolved. Based on what we gathered, there a couple of common scenarios that are known to trigger this particular error message: The file preview window of Windows Explorer is causing the error – This is typically reported to occur with PDF and image files. As it turns out, the previewing feature of Windows Explorer can glitch out in certain situations and prevent the user from handling the file. In this case, you can resolve the issue by disabling file previews in Windows Explorer.The file is being actively used by another process – This is one of the most common reasons why this error occurs. Most likely, the process behind Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) or a different process is using the file you’re trying to handle. In this case, the issue can be resolved by closing the process responsible for the conflict. You can also refer to the online forums here: This action can't be completed because the file is open in windows defender service.The action can't be completed because the file is open in Windows Explorer.The action can't be completed because the file is open in COM Surrogate. Consider point 3. above. If you check the questions that are being asked by Microsoft are: Have you installed any third-party applications on your computer?What is the antivirus software installed in your computer?Did you scan your computer and check if it is affected by virus/malware? Steps that you can perform here are: If you are using IE, Chrome, Firefox or MS Edge Chromium, check if any extensions or browser plugins have been installed.If yes, try to disable them and then perform the deletion activity. Point to note: You might not experience the same issue across all browsers. All browsers might not have the same extensions and plugins installed. Different browsers handle extensions and plugins differently. (In such case, this is something that ServiceNow does not have control over. We cannot control how a browser handles the extensions and plugins. You will have to get in touch with the browser support team, or the developer for the particular extension/plugin)