6 Fixes to the requested resource is in use error in Windows 10

Theo Lucia

Jan 24, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Windows 10 is an exceptional operating system, yet it has its share of imperfections. Among the prevalent issues users encounter is the "requested resource is in use" error message, which can be both frustrating and challenging to troubleshoot. Understanding the root cause of this Windows 10 error is crucial for a seamless computing experience. In this comprehensive blog post, we delve into the possible triggers of the "requested resource is in use" error and provide effective solutions to eliminate this obstacle from your PC usage. By addressing these issues, you can ensure a smooth and uninterrupted Windows 10 experience.

Part 1: Reasons for "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 or virus

- 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.

File or Program in Use

- 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.

Background Processes

- 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.

Part 2: How to fix "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.

Tips: How to find which Trojan or malware is affecting 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.

Method 4: End the conflicting process

This method helps you identify and terminate the process that is using the resource, allowing you to access it. Here is how:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Click on the "Processes" tab.
3. Look for the process that may be using the resource. It could be an application or a background process.
4. Right-click on the process and select "End task" or "End process tree."

Method 5: Use System File Checker

Corrupted system files can lead to various issues, including the "requested resource is in use" error. System File Checker scans and repairs any corrupted system files.

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. The System File Checker will scan and repair any corrupted system files. Restart your computer once the process is complete.

Method 6: Perform a clean boot

A clean boot can help identify if any third-party applications or services are causing the issue. This method disables all non-Microsoft services and startup items to isolate the problematic application or service.

1. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig and press Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, click on the "Services" tab.
3. Check the box "Hide all Microsoft services" and click "Disable all."
4. Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager."
5. Disable all startup items by right-clicking on each item and selecting "Disable."
6. Close Task Manager and click "OK" in the System Configuration window.
7. Restart your computer.

Part 3: 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.

In such cases, we recommend using Wondershare Recoverit, a reliable and user-friendly data recovery software. Wondershare Recoverit can help you recover lost, deleted, or inaccessible files from various storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, and more. It supports a wide range of file formats, including photos, videos, documents, and emails. With its advanced scanning algorithms, Recoverit can efficiently retrieve your lost data, even if it was accidentally deleted or affected by the "requested resource is in use" error.

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Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Wondershare Recoverit to recover your data:

Step 1: Download and install Wondershare Recoverit

Visit the official Wondershare Recoverit website to download the software. Install it on your computer by following the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Launch Recoverit and select a location

Open Wondershare Recoverit on your computer. In the main interface, choose the location (hard drive partition, external device, etc.) where you lost the data and click "Start" to initiate the scanning process.

Step 3: Scan the selected location

Recoverit will start scanning the selected location for lost or deleted files. The scanning process may take some time, depending on the size of the storage device and the amount of data. You can pause or stop the scanning process at any time if you find the files you're looking for.

Step 4: Preview and recover files

Once the scanning process is complete, you'll see a list of recoverable files. You can preview the files by clicking on them. To recover the files related to the "requested resource is in use" error, select the desired files and click the "Recover" button. Choose a safe location to save the recovered files, preferably a different drive to avoid overwriting any data.

By using Wondershare Recoverit, you can efficiently recover your lost data before attempting to fix the "requested resource is in use" error. This way, you can minimize the risk of losing important files while resolving the issue.

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

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.

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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.