While it is more common for shared files to get locked, regular PDF, Image, video and types of files that are not being shared can also get locked on a Windows computer.
In such cases, you won’t be able to open or delete the file due to the file becoming locked or occupied by an unfinished/stuck background process.
The Locked File error can also occur due to freezing of the Preview pane, File Explorer process being stuck, Thumbnail cache becoming damaged or corrupted and other reasons.
Unlock Locked Files in Windows 11/10
If you are dealing with the issue of Microsoft Excel file being locked and coming up with “File Locked for editing by another user” message, you can refer to this guide: Excel File Locked For Editing By Another User.
In other cases, you should be able to unlock the locked file by using steps as provided below for other types of files on a Windows computer.
1. Restart Windows Explorer
If you are unable to open or delete a file, the problem could be due to Windows Explorer service being stuck on your computer.
1. Right-click on the Taskbar and click on Task Manager.
2. On Task Manager screen, go to Processes tab, right-click on Windows Explorer and click on Restart.
After this, you should be able to open the Locked File, without encountering any error message.
2. Turn OFF Preview Pane
The Preview process by File Explorer is another known cause for Excel, Word, PDF, Image or Video files getting locked on a Windows computer.
1. Open the File Explorer on your computer.
2. On the File Explorer screen, click on the View Tab and uncheck Preview pane option.
You can also disable the Preview pane by pressing Alt + P keys (works like a toggle).
3. Unlock Locked File by Using Task Manager
It is not uncommon to find PDF Files coming up with “Open in Another Program” message, even though the Adobe Reader is not open and you are trying to delete the file.
In most cases, this issue can be fixed by opening the Task Manager and terminating the stuck Adobe Reader process.
1. Right-click on the Taskbar and click on Task Manager.
2. Right-click on the Adobe process in the Task Manager and select the End Task option.
Note: If you are using OneDrive or any other cloud storage service, pausing the cloud sync temporarily should fix the issue.
4. Unlock USB Drive File
In this case, you are dealing with the problem of being unable to open, close or delete a file located on a USB Drive attached to the computer.
To fix this issue, make sure that you close all the files/file explorer windows on the computer and use Safely Remove Hardware option.
1. Open System Tray by clicking on the System Tray Icon located in the Taskbar.
2. Next, click on the USB Drive Icon and then click on Eject USB Drive option.
3. After this, unplug the USB Drive from the computer > Wait for a few seconds and plug back the USB Drive to the computer.
Now, you should have no problem accessing the File that was bothering you.
5. Clear Thumbnail Cache
2. On the Disk Cleanup screen, make sure Thumbnails box is selected and click on OK.
6. Disable Sync Process
Another common reason for practically any type of file getting locked on a Windows computer is due to the file being occupied by OneDrive or Dropbox sync process.