How to fix “The disk is in use or locked by another process. [ERROR_DRIVE_LOCKED (0x6C)]” – Error Code 108

Overview

In this article, we’ll focus on resolving the issue described as: “The disk is in use or locked by another process. [ERROR_DRIVE_LOCKED (0x6C)]”. This error, identified by the error code Error Code 108, can impede your system’s performance, and here’s how you can fix it.

Identifying the Problem

Error Code 108 occurs when a disk or drive on your system is currently in use by another process, preventing you from accessing or modifying it. Typical scenarios include:

• Attempting to format or partition a drive that’s currently being used
• Running a disk defragmentation or optimization tool while other programs are open
• Encountering conflicts between multiple programs trying to access the same disk

Common Fixes

1. Restart Your System

Restarting your computer will close all running programs and processes, potentially resolving the lock on the disk.

2. Check Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Under the “Processes” tab, look for any programs or tasks that may be using the disk in question. End these tasks if necessary.

3. Disable Antivirus Software

In some cases, antivirus software can interfere with disk access. Temporarily disabling it may resolve the issue.

4. Run DiskPart

Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type “diskpart” and press Enter. Type “list disk” to identify the affected disk. Select it using “select disk “. Finally, type “clean” to erase all data on the disk (note: this action is irreversible).

Advanced Troubleshooting

1. Check Disk Health

Use the “chkdsk” command in Command Prompt to check the disk’s health. This can identify and repair any potential issues that may be preventing access.

2. Update Device Drivers

Outdated device drivers for your disk or storage controller can cause conflicts. Update these drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

3. Reinstall Windows

As a last resort, reinstalling Windows can resolve persistent issues with Error Code 108. Back up your important data before proceeding with this step.

Conclusion

By following the solutions provided in this article, you should be able to resolve Error Code 108 and restore access to your disk or drive. To prevent this error in the future, avoid running multiple disk-intensive programs simultaneously, keep your system and drivers updated, and ensure that your antivirus software is not causing interference. Maintaining the integrity of your system by adhering to good computing practices is crucial for its smooth and reliable operation.