How to Fix “The Requested Resource Is in Use” Error On Windows 10 & 11

How To, Windows

By TechCommuters / January 24, 2025

How to Fix “The Requested Resource Is in Use” Error On Windows 10 & 11

Last updated on March 4th, 2025 at 8:52 am

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Users of Windows 10 and 11 frequently see “The Requested Resource Is in Use” warning while attempting to move, copy, or delete files. Well, it usually means that the file or resource you are trying to access is being used by another program or process, and the error can get super annoying, especially when you are working on something super important.

Although this protection method aids in preventing data corruption, improper file/folder locking might cause issues. Encountering this error indicates a hardware conflict, malware issue, and system limitations while interfering with your workflow and keeping you from finishing necessary activities.

Hence, understanding the underlying causes and knowing the right ways to fix the respective error can help ensure more seamless computing experience.

In this blog post, we will take a look at the root causes of the issues, precautions to keep in mind while resolving the issue & step by step process to fix this annoying problem & how you can avoid such errors in the future.

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Typical Causes of the Error “The Requested Resource Is in Use” Error in Windows 10 & 11

Listed below are some of the most common reasons behind receiving this annoying error message:

1. Programs Using the File Currently

The file is being read or written to by applications.
Background operations using the resource
System services that make use of the file
The same resource is accessed by many user sessions.

2. System files that are corrupted

System files that are required to access resources are either missing or destroyed.
Critical files can be corrupted by improper shutdowns or power outages.
System files may become inconsistent as a result of unsuccessful updates.
Important system files might be corrupted by malware attacks.

3. Viruses or malware

File and resource access can be blocked by malware such as the ‘SmartService’ trojan.
Antivirus software may not work correctly due to viruses.
File operations may be hampered by dubious startup applications.
Resources can be locked by malicious apps to interfere with system operation.

4. Incorrect Setup

Access to resources may be restricted by incorrect file permissions.
Resource use issues may result from improperly configured system settings.
Errors may arise when third-party software alters default configurations.
Software incompatibility or outdated drivers could be a contributing factor.

Precautions you Need to Take When Using the Internet to Fix the Error “Fix “The Requested Resource Is in Use”

Make sure you adhere to the following steps while fixing the error on your computer:

1. Backup Vital Data: Make a backup of your vital files and data to an external disk or cloud storage before making any system modifications.

2. Reliable Sources: Only install and download software and utilities from reliable sources, such as respectable app stores or official websites.

3. Antivirus Protection: Update your antivirus program and perform a thorough system scan both before and after troubleshooting.

4. Check for Necessary Updates: Make sure you have the most recent versions installed of both your Windows Operating Systems and all the installed software on your PC.

5. Switch Off the Internet Temporarily: Disconnect from the Internet for a while if you think there may be a malware infestation or network problem.

6. Safety Procedures: Don’t alter system files without knowing the hazards, and don’t force-close system processes to avoid instability.

7. Verification of Internet Solutions: Make sure the solution is compatible with your OS version and use reliable Windows resources.

10 Ways to Fix the “The Requested Resource Is in Use” Error

Follow the instructions shared below to quickly and easily fix the Windows stop code “The Requested Resource Is in Use” on your Windows 11/10 PC.

Solution 1: End All Associated Programs

Well, by systematically closing programs that might be using the file, you release these handles and free up the resource. This method works especially well when there are clear file locks, such as when you can’t remove a document that is obviously open in another program.

Step 1: First, launch Task Manager.

Just click Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut keys to launch Task Manager. Alternatively, choose “Task Manager” by right clicking the taskbar.

Step 2: Check for Any Active Programs

Select “More details” if you’re in simple view.
Access the “Processes” tab.
Check for applications that may be utilizing your file.
Use “Name” sorting to locate particular programs.

Step 3: End Problematic Processes

Select the suspected software with a right-click.
Click “End task” button.
Do the same for all associated programs.
Hold off for 30 seconds.
Try gaining access to your file once more.

Solution 2: Make use of Process Explorer

A robust Microsoft Sysinternals utility, Process Explorer gives you comprehensive details about which processes are utilizing particular files, registry keys, or other resources. When normal approaches are unable to determine the cause or when the process of locking the file is not immediately apparent, this solution works well.

Step 1: Downloading & Installation Process

Get Process Explorer from the Microsoft website.
Extract the ZIP files.
Procexp.exe should be run as administrator.

Step 2: Look for a Locked Document

Hit Ctrl + F shortcut keys.
Enter the path or file name.
Press “Search” and watch for results.

Step 3: Release File Handles

Find the procedure by utilizing your file.
Select the handle with a right-click.
Hit the “Close Handle” button as shown below.
Verify the action.
Try opening the file once more.

Solution 3: Command Prompt Solutions

Windows’ process and service management features are directly accessible through the Command Prompt. Because it gets around a lot of the GUI’s limitations, this technique works especially well for handling system activities and services that are blocking file access.

Step 1: Launch Command Prompt

Choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)” by pressing Win + X.
Select “Yes” at the UAC prompt.

Step 2: List Processes

Use cmdCopytasklist command line to list processes

Step 3: Kill Problematic Processes

Terminate the problematic process/F /IM processname.exe Copytaskkill

Step 4: Terminate Services (if necessary)

To stop the service, simply execute the following command line: CMDStop service for Copynetname

Solution 4: Restart Explorer in Windows

Well, file operations and handling are just one of the numerous functions that Windows Explorer handles in addition to being a file browser. A quick fix for file system-related locks is to restart Explorer, which unlocks these trapped handles without necessitating a complete system restart.

Step 1: First, launch Task Manager

Click the shortcut keys – Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Hit the “More details” button.

Step 2: Use End Explorer

Locate “Windows Explorer” inside the processes list, then right-click it.
Click the “Restart” button.
Wait for the desktop to reload properly.

Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager

Step 3: Verification

Verify that the file is now available.
Otherwise, move on to the next solution.

Solution 5: Use Safe Mode

By starting Windows with a limited set of drivers and services, Safe Mode successfully removes the majority of third-party programs and services that could be the source of file locks. This diagnostic environment assists in determining whether the problem is a result of a Windows core component or a third-party application.

Step 1: First, Switch to Safe Mode

Hit Win + I.
Select “System.”
Choose “Recovery.”
In the “Advanced startup,” select “Restart now”
Select Startup Settings under Advanced Options > Troubleshoot.
Click “Restart” and select “Safe Mode” by pressing 4.

Step 2: Try File Operation

Find your file.
Try the operation that wasn’t working.
If it operates in Safe Mode, note it.

Step 3: Go Back to Regular Mode

Restart your computer normally.
Verify that applications are operating in regular mode if it operated in safe mode.

Solution 6: Verify the Disk Utility

File system corruption can stop file handles from being released properly or lead Windows to report files as being in use improperly. (chkdsk) looks for and fixes problematic sectors, broken links, and file system defects that could be generating problematic “in use” statuses.

Step 1: Launch the Command Prompt as administrator

Choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)” by pressing Win + X.

Step 2: Run Check Disk

For this simply execute the command line – chkdsk C: /f /r

Step 3: Schedule Scanning

When requested to schedule the scan, type ‘Y’.
Restart the computer.
Await the completion of the scan.

Solution 7: System File Checker

Corrupted or altered system files are verified and repaired by the System File Checker (SFC). SFC can restore system files that manage resources or handle file operations to their original state if they are corrupted and the “resource in use” error is the result. This is particularly helpful when the problem arises throughout the system or impacts several files.

Step 1: Open CMD Utility on your PC

Launch the Command Prompt as Administrator
Hit Win + X and choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)”.

Step 2: Run SFC Command Line

At this step, simply execute sfc /scannow.

Step 3: Wait for the Process to get Finished

Don’t shut the window.
Wati till it reaches to 100% completion.
Restart if necessary.

Solution 8: Temporarily Turn Off Your Antivirus

These security precautions occasionally make it impossible to perform normal file operations, particularly when working with system files or applications. You can release these security holds and finish your file action by temporarily turning off real-time protection.

Step 1: Open Windows Security

Get Windows Security open.
Select “Virus & threat protection” select “Manage settings”

Step 2: Turn off Security

Deactivate “Real-time protection”
Please take note that this is only temporary.
Try to access your file again and re-enable it right away.

Step 3: Include an exclusion if necessary

Choose “Add or remove exclusions”
“Add an exclusion” is selected.
Pick a file or folder.
Verify the addition.

Solution 9: Reset File Sharing

By clearing all shared file handles and rebuilding the sharing database, a file sharing service reset essentially releases any network-related file locks that have become stuck.

Step 1: Launch Computer Management

Search for “Computer Management” or simply with a right-click on Start, select Computer Management and then hit the “Shared Folders” button.

Step 2: Check the Open Documents

Select “Open Files.”
Choose any pertinent files.
“Close Open File” should appear.

Step 3: Reset the Sharing Service

For this, run the command line:
net stop Lanmanserver
net start lanmanserver

Solution 10: Launch Resource Monitor

Resource Monitor provides a detailed real-time information on system resources, including which programs have handles on particular files. When diagnosing complicated file access problems involving several processes or system services, this tool is especially helpful.

Step 1: Simply open the Resource Monitor

Type “resmon” and hit Enter after pressing Win + R.

Step 2: Verify File Handles

Select the “CPU” tab.
Extend “Associated Handles”
In the search box, type the file name.

Step 3: Determine and Close

Use your file to find processes.
Take note of the process name.
To end it, use Task Manager.
Try gaining access to the file once more.

How to Prevent This Error “The Requested Resource Is in Use” in the Future?

Here are a few important factors you should keep in mind to ensure you do not encounter this annoying error in future.

Frequent Upkeep: Do routine disk inspections and system maintenance, such as updates.
Use antivirus software: Perform routine scans and keep your program updated.
Watch Out for Downloads: Steer clear of downloading files that might contain malware from unreliable sources.
Restrict the use of background apps: Close any apps that aren’t needed while working with files.
Track System Performance: Keep a close eye on your system’s performance to see any indications of slowdowns or resource contention.
Adopt safe computing practices: By being cautious when opening email attachments and avoiding downloading files from unreliable sources.

WRITER’S TIP: When resolving computer problems, always keep a record of your troubleshooting procedures. This aids in finding trends as well as in future troubleshooting efforts.

Conclusion:

The “Requested Resource Is in Use” issue can be a big hurdle for Windows 10 and 11 users, disrupting operations and causing aggravation. Nonetheless, users can effectively troubleshoot by being aware of the common reasons of this issue, which include corrupted system files, virus involvement, programs that are actively utilizing files, and incorrect configurations. You can effectively fix this problem by using the different techniques, which include restarting your computer, looking for active processes in Task Manager, using system tools like the System File Checker, and making sure your files have the right permissions.

Furthermore, putting safety precautions in place when altering your system and confirming online fixes will assist protect against other issues. You can keep your computer experience more seamless and reduce interruptions by combining preemptive steps with efficient troubleshooting methods.