The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process
What 0x80070020 Means
The 0x80070020 error on the Windows System-Errors indicates the process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process. This typically occurs due to antivirus software actively scanning a file that an update needs to modify.
The 0x80070020 error indicates a 'sharing violation' at the file system level. It happens when two different processes attempt to access or modify the same file simultaneously using incompatible access modes.
Technical Background
Windows uses a locking mechanism to preserve data integrity. If a process opens a file with 'exclusive access', no other process—including system services—can read or write to it until the lock is released.
During a Windows Update, many system files must be replaced. If an external tool (like a real-time scanner or a legacy driver) holds a handle to these files, the kernel returns 0x80070020 to prevent a collision.
This is typically a transient error. It does not mean the file is corrupted, only that it is currently 'busy' in a way that prevents the requested operation from completing safely.
Common Causes
- Antivirus software actively scanning a file that an update needs to modify
- A background application holding an exclusive lock on a system binary
- Disk utility or backup software running concurrently with a system change
Typical Scenarios
- Windows Update fails to replace a file because a third-party antivirus is currently inspecting it
- A user tries to delete a folder while a hidden background process still has one of its files open
What to Know
Identify the process holding the file lock using tools like Resource Monitor. Temporarily disabling real-time security scanning or performing a clean boot often clears the lock contention allowing the process to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Windows 0x80070020 error
This error means a file is being used by another program. Usually, restarting your computer or temporarily turning off your antivirus will release the file so the update can finish.