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Use Resource Monitor:
Two commonly used tools are recommended:
You can try:
Home System Tutorial Windows Series How to fix '0x80070020' file in use error?

How to fix '0x80070020' file in use error?

Jul 21, 2025 am 03:24 AM

When encountering "File is in use" or error code 0x80070020, 1. First restart the computer to release resources that are not completely closed; 2. Use resource monitor to find and end the process of occupying files; 3. Automatically unlock the lock with tools such as Unlocker or LockHunter; 4. Pause antivirus software or close related system services to eliminate background interference. Follow the above steps to find and remove the file occupancy source.

How to fix \

This error usually occurs when you try to install updates, run programs, or operate a file, and the system prompts "The file is in use" or directly reports an error code 0x80070020. Simply put, other processes occupy the files or resources you need to access, causing the operation to be unable to continue.

How to fix

The key to solving this problem is to find which program is "secretly" occupying the file and then shutting it off. Here are a few practical methods:


1. Restart the computer and try again

In many cases, this error occurs because the previous operation did not completely release the resource. For example, update failure, program exit abnormally, etc., the system may still retain certain locks.

How to fix
  • Restart is the easiest and most effective way
  • Especially after the update of Windows or the installation of software fails, try restarting first.

Although this step is simple, it can indeed solve many problems, because restarting will forcefully close all background processes and release locked resources.


2. Check which program occupies the file

If you just restarted it but still can't do it, you have to check it manually. Windows comes with a tool that can help you find who is using that file.

How to fix

Use Resource Monitor:

  1. Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager
  2. Click the Performance tab of the top menu
  3. Click "Open Resource Monitor" at the bottom
  4. Switch to the "CPU" tab and pull down to "Associated Handle"
  5. Enter the file name you want to operate in the search box (such as the occupied .dll or .exe file)
  6. All processes that occupy the file will be listed.
  7. Find the corresponding process and right-click it in the task manager to end it

Note: Ending the process may cause some programs to crash. It is recommended to save the work content before operating.


3. Automatically unlock using third-party tools

If you are not familiar with system tools, you can also use some graphical small software to help you solve it.

  • Unlocker : The interface is intuitive, and files can be unlocked or deleted after discovering it.
  • LockHunter : More powerful, can force unblocking

The usage process is roughly:

  • Install and run the software
  • Select the file you want to unlock (or drag it directly in)
  • The software will display the process that occupies it
  • Click to unlock

Reminder: When downloading this type of tool, be careful about the source. It is best to download it on the official website or trusted platform to avoid bundling software.


4. Check antivirus software or system services

Sometimes it is not that the program you run yourself takes up files, but that the security software or system services are doing things in the background.

You can try:

  • Pause or exit antivirus software (such as Kaspersky, Bitdefender)
  • Turn off Windows Defender real-time protection (Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Security Center > Virus Protection)
  • Stop some system services (such as Windows Update service)

These software and services sometimes scan files or lock resources, making it impossible for you to operate. Temporarily disable it to see if the problem is solved.


Basically these are the methods. Most of the time, it can be done by restarting. If it doesn't work, follow the steps to check the lock source. The key is to be patient and eliminate one by one, and you can always find the program that "blocks the way".

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