Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Delete ProfessionalRetail Files That Are in Use

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to delete ProfessionalRetail files but is encountering a 'File in Use' error in Windows.

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to clean up leftover mirror or installation files after installing or updating Microsoft Office.
Observed behavior: Windows prevents the deletion of the ProfessionalRetail files because an active background process or ongoing installation is currently using them.

Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft Office installation or update is completely finished, as interrupting an ongoing setup process can lead to software corruption.

Solution 1Recommended

End Office Processes Using Task Manager

Force-close any background Microsoft Office processes that are locking the ProfessionalRetail files and preventing their deletion.

When Windows states that a file is in use, it means a system or application process is currently reading or writing to it. For ProfessionalRetail files, this is usually the Office Click-to-Run service or an Office Setup process.

Open Task Manager

Right-click on your Windows taskbar and select 'Task Manager', or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.

Locate Office Processes

In the 'Processes' tab, scroll down and look for any Microsoft Office-related tasks, such as 'Microsoft Office Click-to-Run', 'Office Setup', or 'Microsoft Word'.

End the Tasks

Right-click on each Office-related process you find and select 'End task' from the context menu.

Retry Deletion

Navigate back to the folder containing the ProfessionalRetail files and attempt to delete them again. They should now move to the Recycle Bin successfully.

Installation Status: If you cannot find any Office processes, provide your exact Office version to support, or check Windows Update to see if a background update is currently active.

Solution 2

Restart Your Computer to Clear File Locks

A simple system reboot can clear active file locks without the need to manually hunt down hidden background processes.

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are ProfessionalRetail files used for?

ProfessionalRetail files are typically installation or mirror cache files downloaded by Microsoft Office during an initial setup or update. They contain the necessary data to install the Professional Retail edition of the software.

Is it safe to delete Microsoft Office installation files?

Yes, once the Microsoft Office installation or update is completely finished and the software is working correctly, you can safely delete leftover mirror or cache files to free up disk space.

Why does Windows say the file is open in another program?

This error occurs when a background service, such as the Office Click-to-Run updater, is currently reading from or writing to the file. Ending the related process via the Task Manager will release the file lock, allowing you to delete it.

Installation & Activation