Cleaning Problems

Solutions for file-in-use locks, incomplete cleanup gains, and space not immediately reflecting in Windows.

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Issue 1: "The file is being used by another process"

Cause

An active background application (such as Google Chrome, Discord, or a Windows background service) has locked its cache or database file with exclusive write permissions.

Solution

1. Close the application locking the file (e.g., exit Chrome or Discord completely from the Taskbar / System Tray).
2. Click Retry Clean in ClearKun.
3. Alternatively, ClearKun will automatically skip locked files and clean the remaining items safely.

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Issue 2: Cleaned Files, But Disk Space Did Not Increase

Cause

By default, ClearKun moves files to the Windows Recycle Bin to allow safe restoration if you change your mind.

Solution

1. Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select Empty Recycle Bin.
2. Alternatively, within ClearKun, enable Permanent Deletion in settings if you do not want items routed to the Recycle Bin.

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Issue 3: Space Disappears Again After a Few Days

Cause

Certain applications (e.g., continuous video recording buffer in NVIDIA ShadowPlay, Docker image builds, or active Windows update installation loops) create fresh temporary data continuously.

Solution

1. Inspect the Storage Categories view in ClearKun to see which specific application folder is inflating.
2. Adjust the cache retention settings inside the offending program (e.g., limit Chrome cache size or configure Docker WSL2 disk allocation).

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Next Steps

• Common Issues
• FAQ
• Safe Cleaning Guide