What is Error 43, and how to fix it [Without losing files]

Error 43 is completely fixable, and usually pretty quickly. It typically pops up when you try to rename, delete, or move a file that’s non-existent, corrupt, or locked. From my experience, it’s more common on pre-Sonoma versions of macOS, but the troubleshooting process is the same regardless.

How to fix Error code 43: Quick solutions

To save you time, I've briefly described all the solutions from the article in this table. If you need more details about any of them, just scroll down.

Your solution	Steps
Force quit Finder	Press Command + Option + Esc, select Finder, and click Relaunch.
Stop apps using the file	Use Terminal: type lsof grep [file path], stop listed apps in Activity Monitor, and retry the operation.
Reconnect external drive	Eject and reconnect the drive; try a different port if necessary.
Reset NVRAM	Restart Mac holding Option + Command + P + R keys for 20 seconds.
Run Disk Utility check	Open Disk Utility, select the drive and run First Aid.
Clean your Mac	Install CleanMyMac and run Smart Care to remove system junk, old apps remnants, and other clutter.
Modify in safe mode	Boot in safe mode (Shift key during startup), modify the file and restart in normal mode.
Remove via Terminal	Use Terminal: rm [file path] for files or rm -r [folder path] for folders.
Reinstall macOS	Back up data, boot into recovery mode, and select Reinstall macOS.

What is Error 43, and why does it occur?

When you get Error 43 pop-up, your Mac is telling you that it can't find the file you need and perform the action you're trying to do. Usually, that's moving it to a different folder, renaming, or deleting it. Sometimes, files affected by Error 43 even get stuck in the Trash and can’t be deleted.

I'll give you a list of common causes of Error 43, but not all of them are relevant to newer operating systems. Some of them (like the problem with characters in the name) are more common on older macOS versions. Anyway, here are the main reasons why Error 43 happens:

• Cache problems. Or a Finder glitch.
• The file or its metadata is damaged. This may happen if a file wasn’t fully downloaded from the internet or if there was a cloud sync error.
• The file name contains special characters, such as <, >, or |.
• You have no permission to modify the file. To check, right-click the file, and select Get Info > Sharing & Permissions. If you see Read & Write next to your name, you have full access.
• The file is locked or in use. 
• The external drive with the file is damaged. Or there may be a formatting problem.
• NVRAM or PRAM is corrupted. 

Error 43 can occur on your Mac directly or when working with an external hard drive. In either case, the problem is usually solvable.

How to fix error code 43 on MacBook

I’ve subjectively ordered the fixes from easiest to most difficult — this is the exact order I follow if I get Error 43. You can choose your own order, especially if you already suspect the root cause of the problem.

#1. Force Quit Finder

How?

1. Press Command + Option + Esc.
2. Select Finder.
3. Click Relaunch.

Why?

Managing files and folders is a direct Finder’s responsibility, and of course, it fails from time to time (who doesn't?). Sometimes, it crashes during file synchronization or indexing. Sometimes, something goes wrong during the caching process. Sometimes, it's just a random error. 

When you force quit the Finder, you restart its processes, clear its cache, and free it from glitches.

When I deal with stubborn files, I always keep a mantra in my head: I might lose it — I might lose it. Not because I’m doing something wrong, but because bugs and crashes can dictate their own rules. If you do lose a file because of a MacBook error and it doesn't show up in the Trash, don't panic. Files are almost always recoverable, especially if it has happened just now. I rely on Disk Drill, a data recovery app, for this. It retrieves text files, audio files, images, and more — even if the disk is damaged. You wouldn’t believe how many critical files Disk Drill has saved for me and my colleagues. So, if you’re ever in a pinch, keep this tool in mind — it’s a lifesaver.

#2. Stop the apps that use the file

How?

1. Check which apps are using your file:

• Open the Terminal.
• Type lsof | grep (space).
• Drag your file into the Terminal window, and press Enter. 

Check out the screenshot: here are the names of the programs that use my PDF document. 



2. Stop these apps. Open Activity Monitor, select each app listed and then click the cross in the left corner.



3. Try modifying the file again.

Why?

Some programs can block access to a file while they need it for internal processes, such as synching with the cloud. In general, this can be useful because it helps prevent file corruption or conflicts. But if the app crashes or freezes, it can cut you off from the file. Forcing the app to quit can resolve the issue.

My experience I've seen many times that crashes on the Mac often happen when it's clogged with system junk, old program remnants, uncleared cache, and other clutter. It’s not always negligence; sometimes, it’s just part of normal computer use. But this invisible junk can cause a lot of small, annoying problems. That's why whenever my Mac acts up, I run CleanMyMac. At the very least, I run Smart Care — in many cases, that's enough to fix the errors. At most, I run all scans (Cleanup, Performance, Protection, and others). Every single time, my Mac performs better after a cleanup than it did before.

#3. Reconnect external drive

How?

If your file is stored on an external drive, try reconnecting it. 

1. Right-click the external hard drive in Finder and choose Eject.
2. Remove the drive when prompted.
3. Reconnect the drive.

Try a different port if the usual reconnection doesn't work.

Why?

Error 43 can occur if your Mac loses its connection to an external drive while it's running. This can happen due to a power failure, a glitch, a loose cable, or a port problem. Reconnecting the drive often resolves some of these problems.

#4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM 

How?

To reset PRAM/NVRAM on an Intel Mac:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press the power button.
3. Immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R.
4. Hold for 20 seconds.
5. Release the keys.

While holding the keys, you may hear the startup chime or see the Apple logo. This is normal, so don't worry or drop the keys.

Apple Silicon Macs work a little differently, and a normal reboot performs a similar function.

If you don't know what kind of Mac you have, go to Apple Menu > About This Mac and read the information in the Chip line.

Why?

NVRAM, non-volatile random access memory (in older Macs known as PRAM, 

parameter random access memory) stores information that the Mac needs to have at its fingertips. Among other things, it stores information about file paths and cache data for system processes. Glitches or failures in these settings can sometimes cause Mac error code 43.

#5. Run Disk Utility check

How?

1. Open Disk Utility (search for it using Spotlight).
2. Select the drive or volume. For internal issues, can check Macintosh HD.
3. Click the First Aid button.
4. Review the results. Disk Utility will either fix the issues or provide additional solutions.

The scan time can vary from a few seconds to minutes or even hours, depending on the size of the disk and the presence of errors.

Why?

Error 43 can be caused by file system problems like permission conflicts, corrupted metadata, errors (e.g. due to improperly ejected external drives), logical errors, and so on. 

Many of these problems can be fixed by Disk Utility — and in all my years as a Mac user, I've been amazed at how simple, powerful and wonderful this tool is. It scans disks (both external and internal), finds conflicts, crashes, and file system corruption, and fixes them. And most importantly, it doesn't delete your files or make any changes that could damage them.

#6. Modify the file in safe mode

How?

1. Turn off your Mac and enter Safe Mode.

• For Intel-based Macs: Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key. Release it when you see the login screen with the words Safe Boot in the menu bar.

• For Apple Silicon Macs:  Press and hold the power button until you see the startup options screen. Select your startup disk (typically, Macintosh HD), then hold Shift and click Continue in Safe Mode.

2. Wait for the system to load. Don't panic if your Mac takes longer than usual to load: this is normal in safe mode.

3. Modify the file you need.

Did it work? Okay, then restart your computer to return to normal mode.

Why?

In safe mode, your Mac runs only basic operations and ignores everything it considers unnecessary and secondary. 

Sometimes, you can't modify or delete a file because of an app conflict. Safe mode disables most of the apps, which means your file is "untethered" from them, and you can modify it.

In addition, running in safe mode clears system caches, fixes some file system errors, and so on, which can solve the problem of an unresponsive file by itself.

#7. Force delete files or folders with Error 43

If your goal is to get rid of a file rather than rename or move it, there are several ways to force delete them. If the usual "Move to Trash" doesn't work, these methods can work magic:

• Force deletion shortcut. Just click on the file and press Command + Option + Delete.
• Terminal command. To delete a file, open Terminal, type rm (space), drag the file you want to delete into Terminal, and press Enter. Type the password if Mac asks for it.

To delete a folder, use the same procedure but a different Terminal command: rm -r (space).

#8. Reinstall macOS

How?

I'll briefly describe the main steps to guide you through the process, but I recommend reading the detailed instructions on how to reinstall macOS without messing up your data.

1. Back up your data. Although the reinstallation usually goes smoothly and doesn't damage your files, you should always have a backup when reinstalling macOS. I use Get Backup Pro — mainly because it allows me to back up the entire Mac as well as individual files, plus, its archives are up to 60% more compact than Time Machine.
2. Boot into macOS recovery mode. On Intel Macs, press and hold Command + R and a power button during startup. For Apple Silicon, shut down the Maс, then press and hold the power button. For more details, read the guide How to use recovery mode on Mac.
3. Choose Reinstall macOS in the macOS Utilities window, and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Wait for the process to complete.

Note that you'll need a good, stable internet connection while you reinstall macOS.

Why?

macOS is the heart and brain of everything that happens on your Mac. Bugs at this level can lead to all kinds of errors. Specifically, Error code 43 can be caused by corrupted system files, file system corruption in general, or software conflicts that Disk Utility's First Aid can’t resolve.

How to prevent Error 43 in the future

Feel free to throw tomatoes at me, but I have no foolproof recipe other than the general rules of Mac hygiene. So, to avoid Error 43 on Mac, follow these rules:

• Keep your macOS and apps up to date.
• Regularly clean your Mac of system junk. I recommend CleanMyMac.
• Make backups. You might never need them, but they’ll save you a lot of stress if something goes wrong. I use Get Backup Pro — its backups are up to 60% smaller than Time Machine's, and it also allows selective backups of files and folders. Love it, love it.
• Have a data recovery app on hand. Mine is Disk Drill. 

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