Mac is stuck while copying files? Here’s how to fix it

by Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Windows & Software Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he... read more
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Affiliate Disclosure
  • This guide will provide you with some useful methods to apply if your MacBook is stuck while copying files.
  • To start fixing this issue, you should use the Activity Monitor app to restart Finder, and then use the Force Quit option.
  • If you want to see some more useful information about Mac, visit our extensive Mac section.
  • To be absolutely sure you will always have a few tricks up your sleeve when encountering issues, bookmark our detailed Mac Fix Hub.
MacBook stuck while copying files

Copying files can be a tedious task, and sometimes your MacBook can get stuck copying files. This can be a problem, but there’s a way to fix it.

What to do if MacBook gets stuck while copying files?

1. Use Activity Monitor to restart Finder

One way to fix this problem is to restart the Finder app. Bear in mind that this will stop the copying process, so you’ll have to start it again. To restart Finder, do the following:

  1. Go to Applications > Utilities.
  2. Now open the Activity Monitor.
  3. Select Finder and terminate it.
    activity monitor macbook stuck copying

2. Use Force Quit

If the MacBook is stuck while copying files, you can fix that by using the Force Quit feature. Bear in mind that this will stop your copying process, so you’ll have to repeat it again. To use Force Quit, do the following:

  1. Press Command + Option + Esc on your keyboard.
  2. When the Force Quit window opens, select Finder and choose Force Quit.
    force quit finder macbook stuck copying

3. Remove Drive Genius software


According to users, third-party applications can sometimes cause this problem to appear.

Several users reported that the problem was caused by Drive Genius application, but after removing it, the issue was resolved, so be sure to try that.

4. Check your hard drive

If your MacBook is stuck while copying, it’s possible that your hard drive is causing the problem. To fix the issue, you need to scan your hard drive. If you’re using an external hard drive or a flash drive, you need to scan it as well.

To scan your drive, do the following:

  1. Go to Application > Utilities > Disk Utility.
  2. Select your hard drive from the sidebar and click on First Aid.
    first aid macbook stuck copying
  3. Now click the Verify Disk button and wait for the process to finish.

After the process is finished, check if the issue is still there.

There you go, several quick and easy solutions that should help you if your MacBook is stuck copying files. If you found our solutions helpful, feel free to leave us a comment below.

FAQ: Learn more about copying files on MacBook

  • Why I can not copy files from Macbook to an external hard drive?

The most common reason for not being able to copy files from MacBook to an external hard drive is the method used to format the drive in question. To work properly, the external hard-drive needs to be formatted with an ExFat file system.

  • How do I backup my entire Mac to an external hard drive?

Make sure your hard drive is formatted using an ExFat file system, then open the Time Machine on your Mac, select the drive, and start the backup process.

  • Can not copy files to USB on Mac?

If you can not copy files to USB on Mac, you will need o format the drive to an ExFat system to be recognized by your Apple device.


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