What This Error Means
Docker cannot remove the volume because a running or stopped container still references it, so you must detach or delete the dependent container first.
How to Fix It
Find containers using the resource:docker ps -a (then inspect mounts as needed).
Stop/remove the container(s), then retry removal.
If the daemon is stuck, restart Docker and retry.
Why It Happens
A running container is still using the volume/filesystem layer.
A previous container left a stale mount or a stuck process.
The host OS is holding file locks (more common on desktop environments).
How to Verify
Retry the remove command and confirm it succeeds.
Confirm the resource no longer appears in docker volume ls / docker ps -a.
Examples
Error response from daemon: Conflict: volume is in usePrevention Tips
Clean up containers and volumes as part of CI teardown.
Avoid sharing volumes across many long-lived containers without clear ownership.