Fix the requested resource is in use error in Windows 10

Theo Lucia

Apr 10, 2023 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Windows 10 is a great operating system, but it isn't perfect. One of the most common errors that you may experience in Windows 10 is The requested resource is in use error message. This can be frustrating and difficult to troubleshoot - especially if you don't know what the problem might be! In this blog post, we'll try to resolve your issue by looking at possible causes for this error message and how to fix them so that The requested resource is in use will no longer hinder your PC usage.

What is The requested resource is in use error?

This error message is typically associated with not being able to access certain Windows files.

However, it could also be a result of malware infection or improper configuration changes that have been made on your computer.

Possible causes for The requested resource is in use:

- Malware and viruses are one potential cause for the 'The requested resource is in use' error; if you're running antivirus software already, try removing any virus definitions from your system before attempting to restart. Your computer may still need additional security measures such as anti-malware products which can take care of this problem automatically should anything else come up during this process.

- Another possible culprit behind an inactive PC due to 'The requested resource is in use' might be that the program resist running on your computer. To resolve this, you'll need to open the Task Manager and find out which program is using resources.

- In case something was running in your background while you were logged into Windows, chances are that it's still on your computer even after rebooting - especially if the application resides within a folder somewhere deep inside of your system directory. Find this file or message by opening My Computer window (or clicking Start Menu > Control Panel > System).

- If everything looks okay with all processes listed there - then click End Process button next to any process found consuming large amounts of memory & CPU usage.

How to fix it

Part 1: Retrieve data before getting rid of “The Requested Resource is In Use” error

The issue of “the requested resource is in use” can usually be attributed to a malware program invading the device. These foreign objects can prevent some programs from operating properly. As a result, you may come across this commonly faced error in Windows 10.

One should first try to restore files before attempting any other steps because you may lose data while fixing the issue. You can use professional data backup or retrieval software for this task. Sometimes, the error appears because you may have accidentally deleted the file. Make sure to retrieve only those files that show this error.

Things to remember while recovering data:

• Stop using the resource(folder/device) to avoid facing the error again. The moment you come across this error, stop using that file.
• If the problem was caused by accidentally deleting a program, the files might still be in your Recycle Bin. Open your Recycle Bin and look for files in them. If found, restore them to their original location.
• Always use a professional tool for recovering lost or deleted files

Part 2: Get rid of the error “the requested resource is in use”

The error “The requested resource is in use” most often appears because there's some complicated issue in the background. Follow these fixes to get rid of the pop-up without losing your work. These fixes will remove the error and allow your computer to work again. You will no longer face this error.

Method 1: Safe Boot your Computer to fix the requested resource is in use

One of the methods is to put your computer in the Safe Boot mode. You can following the below steps to put your computer to the Safe Boot mode:

1. Click the Windows icon at the bottom of the screen and open the Control Panel.
2. Now you need to select the Administrative Tools, find System Configuration, and open it.
3. When you open System Configuration, find the Boot tab and right click the box against Safe Boot, and then select the Minimal in the drop-down section.
4. Click the OK button for confirmation and boot your computer in the Safe Boot mode.

Method 2: Eliminate Malware via Windows Defender

Most of the time, you can eliminate ‘the requested resource is in use’ error by finding and deleting malware from your computer. One way to detect and remove malware from your computer is by using Windows Defender, which is a highly effective tool for this purpose.

To open Windows Defender and scan your computer for malware, you need to follow the below steps:

1. Head over to Settings on your computer. Visit Settings on your system.
2. Once you have opened the Settings, choose Update & Security and find Windows Defender in the options.
3. Now you need to select the Scan Offline option.

The last step will help users to scan and then, remove all virus or malware from their computers offline. Along with that, this program will help to prevent them from getting back on the system.

Method 3: Get rid of Malicious Program/Software

Another solution to the “The requested resource is in use” error may be a permanent software or malicious program removal.

Steps to fix “the requested resource is in use”:

If you find any malicious program on the computer, then you can disable them with the help of following instructions:

1. Click the Windows icon at the bottom of the screen and open the Control Panel.
2. Now you need to select the Administrative Tools, find System Configuration, and open it.
3. When you open System Configuration, select the General tab and click the box against Load startup items after selecting Selective startup. Once done, click the OK button.
4. Now select the Startup and click the box against listed programs after your computer reboot. When your computer has rebooted, you need to Disable the programs appearing as Unknown in the list. To disable them, right-click the program and select Disable.

Steps to eliminate malicious program’s registry entries:

• Press “Windows + R keys and you’ll see the Run window on the screen.
• In the Run dialog box, type Regedit. When Regedit has opened, press Ctrl + F and then type SmartService. It will search for malware through the registry.

• Find the malware and delete it from your computer.

If you keep getting the error again and again, it might be because your computer is infected with multiple malware. To ensure the removal of each malware, you’ll have to repeat this process a few times. If you don’t know which Trojan or malware is affecting your computer, follow the below steps to find it out.

1. Press Windows + R keys together and type Regedit in the Run window.
2. Once the Regedit is opened, navigate to HKEY LOCAL MACHINE and then SOFTWARE.
3. From SOFTWARE, look for Microsoft. There, you should select Windows and choose the CurrentVersion. This would let you locate all the folders that are present on your system as well as those running.
4. Open each folder one by one and look for files and folders with suspicious extensions. If there are malware or Trojan, you’d come across multiple folders showing the error “the requested resource is in use“. You should delete every folder or file that gives this error.

Conclusion

It’s common to come across the “the requested resource is in use” error in Windows 10. If you are facing the same error, then you can use one or more of the above methods to get rid of the virus or malware causing the error. These methods are not the final way to get rid of this error.

In case the error persists even after following the all methods explained above, you should get professional assistance.

FAQs

1. How do I fix error moving files or folders?

It is a common error that you can face when trying to move files or folders from one location to another. You can format the target partition or try changing file or folder permission. There can be other reasons too behind this error.

1. What does it mean when my computer says the requested resource is in use?

This issue is generally caused by a virus, malware, or Trojan. It’s recommended to scan your computer for malware or virus to get rid of this error.

1. How do I fix requested resources in use Windows 7?

You can enter Safe Mode or find and remove malware from your computer to fix this error in Windows 7.