If Microsoft Excel is coming up with “File is Locked for Editing by another User” message; it indicates that the particular File that you are trying to open or save is currently being used by another person, another device or occupied by a previous session that did not properly close on your computer.
- Shared Files: If it is a shared file, the error message could be due to the file actually being in use by another person or simply being left open by another user. In this case; Microsoft Excel has locked the file to prevent conflicting edits.
- Previous Session: An improperly closed session due to a crash, network interruption or force-closing of a stuck excel file can trigger this type of error message.
- Restricted Permissions: Files that are protected by password and restricted permission levels can trigger the Locked File message.
- Co-Authoring: In the case of files stored on OneDrive, SharePoint or Teams; this type of error message can be triggered due to the Co-Authoring feature not being used.
Resolve “File Locked for Editing” Error in Excel
If you are unable to open or edit an Excel file due to “File is locked for editing by another user” error, you should be able to fix the problem using the following methods.
1. Close the File on All Devices
Start by closing the File and close all Excel windows on your computer. If it is a shared file, request other users to close the file.
After this, wait for a few minutes to make sure that closing of the File has been registered by the server.
2. Delete Temporary Ownership File
When you open an Excel File, Microsoft Office creates a temporary ownership file and then automatically deletes this file; as soon as you the Excel File is closed. If the Excel File does not close properly, it leads to the issue of temporary ownership file still being active, which leads to “File in Use” or “File is Locked for editing” error.
1. Open the File Explorer on your computer.
2. On the File Explorer screen, navigate to Location of the temporary ownership file having name ~$<filename> and delete the file.
For example, if the Excel file that you want to open is example.xls, you will find a temporary ownership file having the name ~$example.com.
Once you delete the temporary ownership file, you will be able to open the File, without encountering “File is Locked for editing by another user” error message.
3. Request Editing Permission
If the error is occurring; because you do not have the permission to Edit or Review the File, Microsoft Excel provides the option to request elevated access to the File.
1. Click on the Viewing Tab; located at top right corner of the screen and click on Request more access.
2. On the pop-up, select the required Permission level (Edit or Review) and Send the Request.
3. The File Owner will receive an email with the option to grant or decline the requested access.
Note: You can also write a note; while sending the request for elevated access to the file.
4. Remotely Close the File
If the other User; that has left the File open is not unavailable, you can remotely close the file.
Note: You need to have Admin access to the server where the Excel file resides, in order to be able to remotely close open files on a network.
1. Note down the File Name and the Path to Locked Excel File.
2. Open Run Command > Type mmc and click on OK to bring up Microsoft Management Console.
3. On the mmc screen, click on File > Add/Remove Snap-in.
4. On Add or Remove Snap-ins screen, select Shared Folders and click on the Add button.
5. On the next screen, select Another computer and click on the Browse button to locate the other computer on which the Excel File resides.
Once you find the Other computer, select the Open Files option and click on the Finish button (See above image).
6. Back on the Add or Remove Snap-ins screen, click on OK to Add the Snap-in to manage Shared Files on another computer.
7. On the next screen, expand the list of Open Files > right-click on the Locked Excel File and click on Close Open File option.
Once you are able to remotely close the open Excel File, the other user will be removed from the File and you will be able to open the locked Excel File and make changes to it.