FIX: Someone is still using this PC

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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A large number ofusershave reported seeing the confusing messageSomeone is still using thisPCon theirWindows 10devices. It can be extremely frustrating, as the message appears when trying to shut down or restart yourPC.

This error also implies that your work will be lost on the otheraccountif not saved.

For this reason, someusersthat encounter this error end up not restarting or shutting down their PC for months on end. This, in turn, makes your PC run slower overall and causes you even more stress.

Because we understand how it feels to be stuck in this vicious cycle, and also know how important it is for you to be able to access your files, in today’s article we will explore a quick fix.

Because the specific cause for this error message can vary, we compiled a list with the best troubleshooting methods that managed to helpusersthat experienced the same situation.

What do I do aboutSomeone is still using this PCerror?

1. Run an anti-malware tool

As a first and easy step, we recommend running a deep scan with a powerful antivirus tool to remove any unwanted malware (if that is the case).

You can always go for afree toolfor a simple scan and malware removal, but real-time protection is only available with a premium product.

More so, a paid antivirus is also efficient against malicious exploits of any kind and it brings various features meant to ensure safety against more complex exploits including webcam protection or password managers.

You should get anantivirus with high detection ratesto make sure that no threat is overlooked. On top of that, a good antivirus should be able to detect and block threats before they even get the chance to infect your PC.

2. Check accounts inside Windows 10

3. Uninstall your third-party antivirus software

SomeWindows 10usershave dealt withSomeone still using thisPCerror by simply uninstalling their third-partyantivirus software.

This issue seems to be caused by Avast and AVGantivirus softwareoptions. It is recommended that you temporarily uninstall yourantivirus software, and check to see if that caused the issue.

There are a fewsecurity softwarethat are known to be unintrusive, so you should have no problem if you switch up to one of those.

Besides, to eliminate any suspicion of interference, we suggest using a dedicated PC cleaning utility such asCCleaner, to delete all traces of unwanted programs.

Just select the app you want to remove from the Uninstall sub-menu and then use the registry and PC scanner to remove all leftover files.

⇒Get CCleaner

4. Check for qued printing tasks on your PC

Someusershave solved theSomeone is still using thisPCerror by simply checking thequeue of their printing devices.

Remove all unfinished tasks from that list, and try to see if this fixes your issue.

5. Run SFC scan in PowerShell

We would love to know if this guide helped you solve your issue. You can let us know by using the comment section found below.

FIX: Someone is still using this PC#

What do I do aboutSomeone is still using this PCerror?#

1. Run an anti-malware tool#

2. Check accounts inside Windows 10#

3. Uninstall your third-party antivirus software#

4. Check for qued printing tasks on your PC#

5. Run SFC scan in PowerShell#