Can't Delete a .part File
A <code>.part</code> file is an unfinished download — usually from Firefox. If it refuses to delete, the browser still has it locked. Cancel or clear the download inside Firefox, or close Firefox first, and the <code>.part</code> file will delete normally. Here's how.
Remove it (fastest first)
- Cancel it in Firefox: press
Ctrl+J(Cmd+Jon Mac) to open the Downloads library, right-click the stuck item → Cancel Download or Remove From History. Firefox releases the .part file. - Close Firefox, then delete: quit Firefox fully, then delete the .part from your Downloads folder.
- Still locked? End the process: Windows — Task Manager → end all Firefox processes, then delete. Mac — Force Quit Firefox (⌥⌘Esc).
If it still won't delete
'File in use' means a browser or download-manager process is still alive. Close every browser window, then retry. On Windows, Shift+Delete after closing Firefox, or reboot and delete on a clean start. On Mac/Linux, a terminal rm name.part works once nothing holds it.
Why it got stuck
Firefox keeps the .part locked while the download is paused, interrupted, or waiting to resume. If it will never finish, cancelling the download in Firefox is cleaner than fighting the file lock — it both stops the download and clears the partial file.
FAQ
Why can't I delete a .part file?
The browser (usually Firefox) still has the partial download open, so the OS blocks deletion. Cancel the download in Firefox's Downloads library (Ctrl+J → right-click → Cancel), or close Firefox completely, then delete the file.
How do I force delete a stuck .part file?
Close Firefox and any download manager fully (end their processes in Task Manager / Force Quit), then delete the file — Shift+Delete on Windows, or rm name.part in a terminal. Rebooting also releases the lock.
Is it safe to delete a .part file?
Yes. A .part file is just an incomplete download — deleting it discards the unfinished data only. If you still want the file, start the download again.