Windows 10: Cannot delete or move pdf file on desktop

I have a pdf file on my desktop with a very long name that I cannot delete, rename, or move. Every attempt fails. I get no error message telling me that the file is in use by another program...it simply won't disappear or allow me to change its name. I have tried running Command Prompt as an administrator but it says it cannot file the file specified. But there it is on the desktop, and I can open it using Edge. When I try to open it using Acrobat Adobe reader DC it says "The path does not exist."


I have tried every solution I can find online, including rebooting, scanning, etc. Nothing has worked so far.


Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

:)

 

can't remove a pdf from my win10 desktop

Hi,



Thank you for your response.



We would suggest you to perform these steps and check.



Step 1: Turn off Preview pane in Windows Explorer

1. Open File Explorer, Click on View tab.
   
2. Click on Preview option to hide or close
   
3. Click on Desktop from the Navigation pane. Then try deleting the file.

Step 2: Check the default PDF application

1. Press Windows + I key to launch Windows Settings.
   
2. Click on Apps and select Default apps from the left pane.
   
3. Now scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type.
   
4. Scroll and look for .pdf, .pdxml, and .pdx file type, then click on the + sign to change it to Edge.
   
5. Then close Settings and try deleting the file.

Step 3: If the default app for PDF is Adobe Reader.

1. Open Adobe Reader. Go to Edit.
   
2. Choose Preferences.
   
3. From the Categories on the left, select Security (Enhanced).
   
4. Uncheck the Enable Enhanced Security option.
   
5. Try deleting the file

Regards,



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

windows 10 deleted my desktop files

Step 1 - I upgraded to Win 10 and lost all my files on Desktop.

Step 2 - Found the files in Network - USers- Desktop

copied all files again to desktop.

Step 3- Restarted my machine again and lost desktop files again.

Step 4 - As suggested did the following as listed below but dont find my files.

• Press “Windows + E”, open This PC/Computer
• Open Local Disc C, open Windows.old
• Click on Users, select your User name
• Go to desktop folder

Cant find my files. Why is Win 10 deleted files again and again from Desktop ?.

 

Delete and Cut Files with Preview Pane Open

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve this issue.

• Have you tried to delete the pdf file in preview panel?
• What exactly happens when try to delete the pdf file?

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

• 
  Open File Explorer.
  
• 
  Select View and click on preview panel.
  
• 
  Select the pdf file.
  
• 
  At the right corner you will be able to see preview panel.
  
• 
  You can right click on it and delete the files.
  

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.