Eclipse - "Workspace in use or cannot be created, chose a different one."

I've seen 3 other fixes so far:

  1. in .metadata/, rm .lock file
  2. if 1) doesn't work, try end process javaw.exe etc. to exit the IDE
  3. if 1)&2) doesn't work, try rm .log file in .metadata/, and double check .plugin/.
  4. This always worked for me: relocate .metadata/, open and close eclipse, then overwrite .metadata back

The solution boils down to clean up the .metadata folder with correct contents


Sometimes deleting the .lock file does not work. You can try this:

Remove RECENT_WORKSPACES line from eclipse/configuration/.settings/org.eclipse.ui.ide.prefs


Right answer can be found in this (duplicate) question.

I reproduced the answer here (and it works!):

Just delete the .lock file in the .metadata directory in your eclipse workspace directory