web
You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
close
Skip to main content

Announcements

Agent Academy Hackathon is happening now!
Welcome to the Power Platform Communities
News and Announcements icon
Community site session details

Community site session details

Session Id :
Power Platform Community / Forums / Power Automate / Delete file locked by ...
Power Automate
Answered

Delete file locked by user

(2) ShareShare
ReportReport
Posted on by philifova 125

Hi Folks!

 

I have a flow that will delete a file once downloaded. I already added a delay of 3 minutes but still failed due to file is open. 

 

Is there a time frame before it close automatically? 

 

To add, the first flow is actually copying an excel, insert a data, download via PowerApps then delete flow will be trigger.

 

philifova_0-1669854201168.png

 

Categories:
General topics
I have the same question (0)
  • Verified answer
    v-chengfen-msft Profile Picture
    v-chengfen-msft Microsoft Employee on at

    Hi @philifova 

    The reason for this problem is:
    1. The file is locked for shared use, so you cannot run the process to delete the file.

     

    Here is a test for your reference:

    vchengfenmsft_0-1669859761886.png

    Set 【Delay】 Configure run after

    vchengfenmsft_1-1669859836204.png

    vchengfenmsft_2-1669859858841.png

     

     

    Here are some links for your reference:

    Locked file checking pattern in Power Automate • Tomasz Poszytek, Business Applications MVP

    Solved: Unable to Delete file - File is locked for shared ... - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)

    Hope it can help you.

     

     

    Best Regards

    Cheng Feng

  • PC-24070157-0 Profile Picture
    PC-24070157-0 6 on at

    Hi @v-chengfen-msft,

    Thanks for this solution. Though the delay is a little time-consuming, it works. I wonder if there is a workaround such as "force delete" flow or using check-out/in to officially close the file? Thanks. 

Under review

Thank you for your reply! To ensure a great experience for everyone, your content is awaiting approval by our Community Managers. Please check back later.

Helpful resources

News and Announcements

Agent Academy Hackathon is happening now!
Welcome to the Power Platform Communities

Quick Links

Introducing the 2026 Season 1 community Super Users

Congratulations to our 2026 Super Users!

Kudos to our 2025 Community Spotlight Honorees

Congratulations to our 2025 community superstars!

Congratulations to the April Top 10 Community Leaders!

These are the community rock stars!

Leaderboard > Power Automate

#1
Vish WR Profile Picture

Vish WR 632

#2
Haque Profile Picture

Haque 458

#3
Valantis Profile Picture

Valantis 357

Last 30 days Overall leaderboard

Featured topics

Known issue with browser automation in Power Automate for Desktop on Google Chrome 146 and 147
Share your ideas and struggles with building Power Automate flows!
Survey: Power Automate mobile app
How to Ask for Help with Your Power Automate Workflow
Flows are not visible for users who sign in with their personal accounts
Start and wait for an approval action
Restore a deleted flow
List of actions cheat sheet for Power Automate Desktop
Welcome to the Power Automate forum!

Product updates

Microsoft Power Platform Community release plans