The notification “The operation can’t be completed because the item (file name) is in use” has been on my computer a number of times, but I can’t recall how many times. Usually, whether I try to remove a file by right-clicking it and choosing the Move to Trash option from the context menu, or by just dragging it into the trash, this happens. Therefore, continue on through this little advice if you’re unsure of what to do when your Mac claims it can’t erase files because they’re in use.
Reasons Why You Can t Delete Files on Mac Because They’re in Use
The major cause of the error notice “The operation can’t be completed because the item (file name) is in use” is that the file you’re attempting to delete is currently being used by an application or process. Because the software could be running in the background, you might not be aware of it. If your Mac incorrectly believes that the file is in use when it is not, the error notice can also show up. If this occurs, the file can be a hidden one that you unintentionally dragged into the trash.
Quit All Open Apps Then Restart Your Mac
Try closing all open apps if you can’t figure out which app is using the file you want to remove but your Mac won’t let you. Restart your Mac after that, and try once more to delete the file by right-clicking it or dragging it to the trash. If the problem notice persists, proceed to the step after that.
Disable All Login Items
Apps known as login items launch when your Mac starts up. Some of these programs can be running in the background and might unknowingly be using the file you are attempting to delete. Therefore, momentarily disable all login items before attempting to delete the file.
2 minutes are required.
To disable login items on your Mac, adhere to the methods listed below.
- Go to System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Click General > Login items.
- List the items under Open at Login.
- Select all the login items, then click Remove.
- Restart your Mac.
Check to see if the error message still shows after deleting the file once more.
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Deleting Files on Mac That Won t Delete Using Terminal
If you can’t delete files from your Mac because they’re in use, you can also try using Terminal. This is a reliable approach to finding out which file on your Mac is being used or that your Mac believes is being used.
To do this, adhere to the procedures below.
- Click on the Trash Icon in the dock to open it.
- Go to Applications, then click Utilities.
- Click Terminal.
- Type of on the command prompt.
- Drag the file you are trying to delete onto the Terminal window.
- Hit Return.
Now check to see if the file you’re attempting to remove is being used by any applications. If the file is being used by a background process, start Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor, look for the process, choose it, and press Quit Process from the toolbar.
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Final Words
If you can’t delete files from your Mac because they’re in use, you can essentially do that. The operation cannot be performed because (file name) is in use most frequently occurs when the file you are trying to remove is open in the related program at the time. If that’s the case, your Mac could remove the file by simply closing it.
On your Mac, there are still times when you can’t remove files because a system process is using them. If that’s the case, your Mac should be able to delete the file if you use the Terminal to locate this process and the Activity Monitor to end it.
