# Red Hat YUM Already Running

**Last Updated On**: 18 May 2026  
**3 minutes read**

## Problem

You receive an error message, **Patch scan/deployment operation failed because the YUM/DNF package manager is currently in use by the process {process_name} with process ID {process_id}**, while installing the patches or scanning the systems on your network computers using Patch Manager Plus.

## Cause

The following are the possible reasons:

1. The `yumbackend.py` process, i.e., the automatic updates for RedHat, could be running.
2. The user might have initiated a software installation at his end.
3. The user could have run commands based on yum.
4. A patch scan or deployment via Patch Manager Plus could already be using yum.

## Resolution

The following steps will help in resolution:

1. Check the `{process_name}` and `{process_id}` mentioned in the error message.
2. Verify if the process is currently running:
   - Use the following command:  
     **ps -p <process_id>**
   - If it is running:
     - Wait for the process to finish, or terminate it with caution (as this may impact its parent process).
     - To forcefully terminate the process (only if absolutely necessary), use:  
       **kill -9 <process_id>**
3. Verify there are no active processes holding the yum tool:
   - Use the command below to check if any instance of yum is currently running:  
     **ps aux | grep yum**
4. Check if the `/var/run/yum.pid` file exists and contains process details. If it does, it likely indicates an active `yum` operation. In that case, wait for it to finish or safely terminate the process if needed.
5. In the case of automatic updates, follow steps to [disable Auto updates](https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/196078/how-to-avoid-yum-lock-hassle/196081#196081).

## Further Assistance

Kindly contact [patchmanagerplus-support@manageengine.com](mailto:patchmanagerplus-support@manageengine.com) team if the issue still persists.