Preparing to Copy Mac Stuck

Why is preparing to copy stuck on Mac

If you’ve ever experienced the Time Machine stuck on preparing backup issue, this section is definitely worth your attention, as it’s devoted to a similar problem—your MacBook stuck on preparing to copy files. Sometimes, it happens when your system resources are too weak, but there’s more to discuss, so I’ve collected the common reasons for the Mac’s random freezing below.

1. System overload

When you copy enormously large files or too many small ones, this process consumes a lot of memory, especially if many apps are running at the same time. You can overcome this by closing the apps and browser tabs you don’t need anymore, using built-in or third-party tools to free RAM like MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner, and rebooting your Apple laptop.

2. Insufficient disk space

This issue is common for Macs with nearly full disks. In this case, even if you try to copy files from your Mac, the system may fail as it needs temporary space for caching. Fix the problem by checking the storage and removing unnecessary files, like old downloads, unused apps, and caches.  

Interested in managing Mac space wisely? Then, I suggest you explore our other blog article on how to check SSD health Mac.

3. Finder bugs

During complicated copy operations, Finder, which manages your files, can freeze or run unpredictably. If this happens, try to quit the Finder (Command+Option+Esc) and reboot your Mac.

4. Damaged files

If among the files you try to copy is just one tiny corrupted component, it can stall the whole process. That’s why Finder will endlessly try to fulfill the task without success. Attempt to compress the folder into a zip and then restart copying.  

5. Permission conflicts

macOS can inhibit file access if permissions are wrong, especially when you copy files created by someone else, not you. Facing such a problem, check file permissions (right-click the file > get info > check the permissions), then you can use Disk Utility to get First Aid.

A note from our experts:

 

Preparing to copy takes forever on your Mac? It indicates some deep system issues you need to solve. Manual methods always require much time and attention on your side, so a more straightforward solution is to let the professionals do their job. Get expert support at any time within MacKeeper’s Premium Services.  

 

We’ll provide assistance based on your exact system, not general knowledge. Thus, you solve the issue quickly, avoiding the risk of data loss or system instability. Also, it’s a way out if you’re afraid your Time Machine won't back up.

 

Follow our guidelines to get professional support in MacKeeper’s Premium Services:

1. Download MacKeeper from the official site and launch it.
2. Find Premium Services in the left menu.
3. Click the Chat Now button and wait for our specialist to join.
4. Describe your problem in the chat and get expert advice on how to fix it.
5. Try the fixing method.

How to fix: Preparing to copy stuck on Mac

As a rule, preparing to copy a Mac stuck issue doesn’t presuppose shock treatment, so no need to freak out. In most cases, simple actions, like restarting processes, checking file integrity, or using Terminal, get things moving again.

1. Check for system resource overload

First, test MacBook performance to find and close the heaviest apps that consume a lot of resources.  

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Activity Monitor.
2. Look for high CPU, memory, or disk usage processes at the beginning of the list.
3. Choose the most energy-consuming apps and click X to close them.

2. Examine disk space and disk health

Another vital step in fixing the preparing to copy stuck on Mac problem is to explore your disk space and disk health, as a lack of free space affects all the processes and functions, including the copying.  

Do the following to check available space on your Mac:  

1. Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > System Report.
2. Then choose Storage > Applications > Disk Utility.
3. Get the First Aid for fixing drive errors.

3. Restart Finder and other affected applications

If your Mac gets stuck while transferring files, try to relaunch Finder. From my experience, a stuck copy process resumes automatically after relaunching Finder, especially if the core problem is an overloaded resource.  

To restart Finder and other affected apps:

1. Press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit window.
2. Confirm to Force Quit.
3. Select Finder > Restart.

4. Check for file corruption or permission issues

One more way to fix preparing to copy stuck on Mac issues is to check each file for corruption or permission problems. If the file is corrupted, incomplete, or inaccessible, the copying process won’t be completed.  

To check the file, do the following:  

1. Right-click the file.
2. Click on Get info.

5. Reboot in safe mode to resolve system conflicts

Rebooting your Mac in Safe Mode can also resolve the preparing to copy Mac stuck issue by clearing the system cache and loading only essential drivers. This action excludes software conflicts that can affect the copying process.  

Let’s distinguish how to enter the Safe Mode on Intel vs Silicon Macs:

On Intel

1. Shut down/restart your Mac.
2. Press and hold the Shift key.
3. Release the key when you see the login screen.

On Silicon

1. Shut down/restart your Mac.
2. Press and hold the power button.
3. Notice Startup Options screen and select your startup disk.
4. Press and hold Shift.
5. Click Continue in Safe Mode.

6. Rebuild Finder preferences

One more method worth your attention is to reset Finder’s preferences by deleting the com.apple.finder. list file. This file becomes corrupted when storing many of Finder’s settings, leading to complications in Mac performance, including copy process hang-ups.  

Follow these steps to rebuild Finder preferences:  

1. Open Finder > press Command + Shift + G to open the Go to Folder window.
2. Type ~/Library/Preferences > Go > find the file com.apple.finder.plist.
3. Delete the file.
4. Open Terminal > run the killall Finder command.

Conclusion

In this guide, I presented the most effective solutions for preparing to copy stuck on Mac. All of them are clear and accessible, but can take lots of time. That’s why I suggest you use MacKeeper’s Premium Services, which provide certified Apple professionals’ assistance to detect and fix the problem remotely without any risks.