Are you tired of encountering the frustrating "Clipboard in Use" error on your computer? This error can occur when you're trying to copy or paste text, images, or other data, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including conflicting applications, outdated drivers, or corrupted system files. In this article, we'll explore five ways to fix the Clipboard in Use error, so you can get back to work without interruption.
Method 1: Close Conflicting Applications
Sometimes, the Clipboard in Use error can occur when multiple applications are competing for access to the clipboard. To resolve this issue, try closing any applications that you're not currently using. This can include web browsers, word processors, image editors, and other software that may be utilizing the clipboard.
To close applications, follow these steps:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager, click on the "Applications" tab.
- Look for any applications that are currently using the clipboard, such as Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Office.
- Right-click on the application and select "End Task" to close it.
By closing conflicting applications, you can free up the clipboard and resolve the error.
Method 2: Update Your Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause a range of problems on your computer, including the Clipboard in Use error. To fix this issue, try updating your drivers to the latest version.
To update your drivers, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select "Device Manager".
- In the Device Manager, expand the "Keyboards" section.
- Right-click on your keyboard device and select "Update Driver".
- Follow the prompts to search for and install updated drivers.
By updating your drivers, you can ensure that your computer is running with the latest software and resolve the Clipboard in Use error.
Method 3: Disable the Windows Clipboard History
The Windows Clipboard History feature allows you to view and manage your clipboard history. However, this feature can sometimes cause conflicts and lead to the Clipboard in Use error. To fix this issue, try disabling the Windows Clipboard History feature.
To disable the Windows Clipboard History feature, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- In the Settings app, click on "System".
- Click on "Clipboard" from the left menu.
- Toggle the switch to "Off" to disable the Clipboard History feature.
By disabling the Windows Clipboard History feature, you can prevent conflicts and resolve the Clipboard in Use error.
Method 4: Run the System File Checker
Corrupted system files can cause a range of problems on your computer, including the Clipboard in Use error. To fix this issue, try running the System File Checker (SFC) tool.
To run the SFC tool, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
- In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- The SFC tool will scan your system files and replace any corrupted files.
By running the SFC tool, you can ensure that your system files are intact and resolve the Clipboard in Use error.
Method 5: Reset the Clipboard
If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting the clipboard to its default state. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- In the Run dialog box, type the following command and press Enter:
rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
- This will lock your computer and reset the clipboard.
By resetting the clipboard, you can resolve the Clipboard in Use error and get back to work.
Conclusion
The Clipboard in Use error can be frustrating, but it's often easy to fix. By closing conflicting applications, updating your drivers, disabling the Windows Clipboard History feature, running the System File Checker, and resetting the clipboard, you can resolve the error and get back to work. Remember to try these methods in order, as they may resolve the issue without requiring more advanced troubleshooting.
We hope this article has been helpful in resolving the Clipboard in Use error on your computer. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to comment below.
What causes the Clipboard in Use error?
+The Clipboard in Use error can be caused by a variety of factors, including conflicting applications, outdated drivers, and corrupted system files.
How do I fix the Clipboard in Use error?
+To fix the Clipboard in Use error, try closing conflicting applications, updating your drivers, disabling the Windows Clipboard History feature, running the System File Checker, and resetting the clipboard.
What is the Windows Clipboard History feature?
+The Windows Clipboard History feature allows you to view and manage your clipboard history. However, this feature can sometimes cause conflicts and lead to the Clipboard in Use error.