how to delete excel file

How to delete active workbook (current file) in Excel?

Let's say you downloaded a workbook from a website and the workbook opened automatically. However, the workbook may be not the proper one, or the workbook doesn't contain required information, and you want to delete it. Sometimes, you probably forget the default directory that downloaded files are automatically saved into. Don't worry, we can delete the opening/active workbook without closing it directly in Excel.

Delete active workbook (current file) with VBA

One click to open folder which contains active workbook with this workbook selected

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Delete active workbook (current file) with VBA

This method will introduce a VBA to delete opening/active workbook without closing it in Excel. Please do as follows:

1. Press the Alt + F11 keys simultaneously to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.

2. Click Insert > Module, copy the following VBA code and paste into opening module window.

VBA: Delete Active Workbook without closing it in Excel

Sub DeleteActiveWorkbook() Dim xFullName As String xFullName = Application.ActiveWorkbook.FullName ActiveWorkbook.Saved = True Application.ActiveWorkbook.ChangeFileAccess xlReadOnly Kill xFullName Application.ActiveWorkbook.Close False End Sub

3. Press the F5 key or Run button to run this VBA.

Notes:

(1) This VBA can delete active workbook, but can't close Excel window. If there are no workbooks opening after active workbook deleted, please close the Excel window manually.

(2) If active workbook has never been saved before, this VBA is not able to delete it. However, you can delete this unsaved workbook directly by closing it.

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