Fixed Disk Error: Causes & Fixes
The “process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process” error occurs when Windows or an application tries to open, modify, or delete a file that is already locked by another running program. The fix is to identify and close the locking process, or use a tool that can unlock the file safely.
What Does “File in Use” Mean?
Windows uses file locking to prevent two programs from writing to the same file at the same time, which could corrupt data. When a program opens a file, the operating system may place a lock on it. If a second program tries to access that locked file, Windows returns the error: “The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.” This is a protective mechanism, not a bug. The lock can be exclusive (only one program can read/write) or shared (multiple readers allowed, but no writers).
Why Does This Error Appear?
Several common scenarios trigger this error:
- You try to delete or rename a file that is open in a word processor, media player, or image editor.
- A background process, like an antivirus scanner or a cloud sync client (OneDrive, Dropbox), is reading the file.
- A program crashed but left a lock behind (orphaned lock).
- Windows Search indexer is scanning the file.
- You attempt to eject a USB drive while a file on it is still open.
How to Fix the Error (Step by Step)
Try these fixes in order:
- Close the obvious program. If you have the file open in an application, save and close it. If the program is not responding, use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end the process.
- Restart Windows Explorer. Open Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer” under Processes, right-click it, and choose Restart. This releases locks held by Explorer.
- Wait a few seconds. Antivirus or indexing may hold the lock temporarily. Try again after 10-15 seconds.
- Use a file unlocker tool. Tools like LockHunter or OpenedFilesView show which process holds a lock and allow you to release it. (These are third-party utilities; use them at your own discretion.)
- Reboot the computer. A restart clears all locks, including orphaned ones. This is the most reliable fix.
Common Misconceptions
Many users think the error means the file is corrupted or that they lack permissions. That is rarely the case. The error is purely about locking. Also, the error message sometimes says “because it is fixed” — this is a garbled version of the same message, likely from a mistranslated Windows version. The correct message is “being used by another process.”
How to Prevent the Error
- Close files before ejecting external drives.
- Pause cloud sync before moving large folders.
- Keep antivirus scans scheduled for off-hours.
- Use a file manager that shows open handles (like Process Explorer) to check locks before deleting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the error say “fixed” instead of “used by another process”?
This is a translation error in some Windows versions. The original English message is “being used by another process.” The word “fixed” likely comes from a mistranslation of “locked” or “in use.” The meaning is the same: the file is locked.
Can I force delete a locked file?
Yes, but it is risky. You can use a tool like Unlocker or LockHunter to force close the handle, but if the file is part of a system process, forcing deletion may crash the system or corrupt data. Always try a reboot first.
Does this error happen on external drives too?
Yes. It is common when trying to eject a USB drive while a file is open. The drive cannot be safely removed until all handles are closed. Use the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon and wait for the notification.
Why does the error appear in Windows Explorer when I try to rename a folder?
Windows Explorer itself may be holding a lock on the folder (e.g., because it is the current directory). Restarting Explorer usually fixes this. Also, check if any program has a file open inside that folder.
Is there a way to see which process has the file locked?
Yes. Use the built-in Resource Monitor (type “resmon” in Start). Go to the CPU tab, expand “Associated Handles,” and search for the file name. It will list the process that has the handle open.
What if the error occurs on a network drive?
On a network share, the lock may be held by another user or a server process. You cannot release it remotely unless you have admin rights. Ask the network administrator to close the session or wait for the lock to time out.
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