External SSD copy error: 'item in use

I am trying to copy over a file from an external SSD drive, and for multiple files I get the "Operation can't be completed because the item... is in use"

The file plays off the external drive, so I know that the file is fine.

I have nothing open for that file. I have restarted multiple times. Does anyone have a solution for this?

Posted on Feb 26, 2026 11:49 AM

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1 reply

MrHoffman

Level 10

162,791 points

Feb 26, 2026 11:54 AM in response to PTahker

There are various ways to see which app has a file open. Here is one, this from the Terminal command line:

lsof | grep -i filename

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External SSD copy error: 'item in use

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