Microsoft has a new utility to the PowerToys toolset that will aid Home windows consumers discover the procedures applying selected documents and unlock them with no demanding a 3rd-bash instrument.

PowerToys .64. also adds a Home windows hosts file editor and a extensive listing of bug fixes and adjustments that include steadiness and enhance the other developed-in equipment.

As its title indicates, the new File Locksmith utility can be utilised to deal with locked data files that can not be deleted or opened due to the fact Home windows states one more method is applying them.

“File Locksmith lists which procedures are making use of the chosen documents or directories and lets closing those people procedures,” the tool’s description reads.

Even though, right until now, most buyers would have to put in a 3rd-get together plan designed to get rid of the “locked” position, you can now verify which files are becoming employed by which processes by correct-clicking them in the File Explorer and clicking “What is applying this file?” in the context menu.

You can then terminate any procedures found by File Locksmith or scan again using administrator privileges to look for procedures launched by all users.

​Today’s launch also bundles a new Hosts File Editor utility that assists handle the Windows Hosts file’s contents, enabling pressure linking or mapping hostnames to IP addresses.

The instrument will assist you increase new entries to the Hosts documents and update the types by now obtainable. It also has a filter feature to immediately sieve by means of big information and slender down the results checklist.

“Hosts File Editor results in a backup of the hosts file in advance of modifying session,” Microsoft clarifies in a support doc. 

“The backup files are situated close to by hosts file in %SystemRoot%/Technique32/drivers/etc named hosts_PowerToysBackup_YYYYMMDDHHMMSS.”

​The PowerToys toolset at first came as a assortment of small freeware utilities designed as facet assignments by Home windows developers through the Home windows 95 era.

Microsoft resolved to revive them in September 2019 when it released the first model of modern PowerToys as an open up-supply utility pack made to deliver Windows customers with added functionality.

To set up the most recent Microsoft PowerToys variation, you have to down load and launch the PowerToys .64 installer from the project’s GitHub site.