Users have reported “the requested resource in use” error message pops up on their PCs when trying to copy or move files from mobile devices to their Windows PCs. That error message’s heading also says, “error copying file or folder.” As a result, users can’t copy the files they need to.
Here is how you can fix the “requested resource is in use” error on a Windows 10 or 11 PC.
1. Check if the File Is Already in Use
The “requested resource is in use” error message hints that the file (resource) you’re trying to copy is already in use. Thus, the copy operation cannot be completed because something else is using the file or folder. So, you might need to close some background processes to address this issue.
First, move your mouse’s cursor over the File Explorer taskbar icon to see if there are any windows for active file operations. Cancel any active file operations you see. Then try copying the file again.
If that doesn’t work, go into Task Manager and close superfluous third-party app background processes. Our guide tofixing too many background processes on Windowsprovides further instructions for how you can do that.
2. Disable File Explorer’s Preview Pane
Many users have fixed the “requested resource is in use” error by disabling File Explorer’s preview pane. That preview pane can hinder the file copy operation. You can disable File Explorer’s preview pane in Windows 11 as follows:
The layout in Windows 10 File Explorer is a little different. To disable preview panes in that file manager, you’ll need to click theViewtab. Then clickPreview paneto deselect that option.
Note that just disabling the preview pane might not always be enough. If that doesn’t work, try turning off the icon file view. To do so in Windows 11 File Explorer, clickViewand select theListorDetails viewoption. You can select the same options on theViewtab in Windows 10 File Explorer.
3. Run a Malware Scan
If the previous two resolutions don’t work for you, it’s probably the case that malware is causing the “requested resource is in use” error on your PC. SmartService is a trojan known to cause the “required source is in use” error. So, try running an antivirus scan with third-party software or Windows Security to kill SmartService. you may run an antivirus scan with Windows Security like this:
If you find Microsoft Defender is disabled and cannot turn it on, that’s a surefire sign the SmartService malware has infected your PC. SmartService is a rootkit trojan that blocks users from utilizing antivirus tools. That malware can also block the installation of some antivirus apps. In this case, the “requested resource in use” error can also occur when you try to run security apps.
To circumvent such a block, try running a Windows Security or third-party app antivirus scan in safe mode instead. Our guide tobooting into safe mode on Windowsincludes a few different methods for entering that troubleshooting mode. Select to enable safe mode with networking.
4. Disable Any Unknown Programs in Task Manager
You might be able to disable a SmartService trojan from starting with Windows via Task Manager’s Startup tab. Look for and disable any suspicious programs listed on theStartuptab as follows:
5. Uninstall Any Suspicious-Looking Programs
The SmartService trojan might also be listed within the Programs and Features Control Panel applet for uninstalling software. If you notice suspicious-looking software in Programs and Features, you can also select to uninstall it from there.
Try uninstalling suspicious programs like this:
Also, clear temporary data after uninstalling SmartService to ensure the malware can’t re-emerge. To do so, you’ll need to clear out the Temp folder. This article aboutdeleting temporary filesincludes alternative methods for clearing data in the Temp folder.
6. Perform a Factory Reset
If the “requested resource is in use” error remains unresolved after trying all the potential resolutions above, performing a factory reset is the last resort. A factory reset will remove all programs not pre-installed with Windows and restore your PC to its default configuration. Applying this potential fix will likely eradicate malware causing the “requested resource is in use” error.
The “Reset this PC” utility lets you factory reset Windows 11 and 10. That tool includes an option you can select to stop the reset deleting user files. Ourhow to factory reset Windowsguide provides detailed guidelines for resetting the platform.
Get the “Requested Resource Is in Use” Error Sorted on Windows
The potential solutions covered here are widely confirmed to resolve the “requested resource is in use” error. If it’s not caused by malware, disabling Explorer’s preview pane, as covered in resolution two, will usually fix the issue. Users confirm running an antivirus scan in safe mode (solution three) can fix the “required resource is in use” error when caused by malware.
