All such file-locking errors prevent users from renaming, copying, deleting, and moving files when needed. Fortunately, it’s usually relatively straightforward to unlock a file with the methods below.

What is a locked file?

A locked file is one that Windows has temporarily restricted access to with its file-locking mechanism. The OS locks files in use by other programs or processes to ensure they can’t be simultaneously modified. So, a locked file error means another program (process) is using the same file you’re trying to modify. Such an issue can also arise for shared files that can be edited by other users in a network environment. Users can usually unlock files by ending the program processes utilizing them, as outlined in this guide’s resolutions. Terminating those processes will lift the applied file locking.

How do I unlock a locked file in Windows 10?

Before applying the resolutions below, check a few things first:

If the locked file is shared with other users via the internet or an organization-based network, check that nobody else is editing it. Restarting your PC can often be a simple way to unlock a locked file. So, try restarting your PC to see if that unlocks the file.

If you still have problems with locked files in Windows, use the solutions below. SPONSORED

1. End background processes in Task Manager

2. Restart Windows by Clean Booting

3. Use a dedicated tool

4. Unlock files with PowerToys’ File Locksmith Tool

File Locksmith is another utility you can unlock files with, which is included within the Microsoft PowerToys software. That tool detects processes using a locked file and enables you to end tasks. To utilize File Locksmith, install the latest Microsoft PowerToys version. Windows Report’s File Locksmith post includes instructions for using that tool and installing PowerToys via PowerShell.

How to unlock a file in Windows 11?

We outlined solutions on how to unlock a file in Windows 10, but all the methods above can be performed identically on Windows 11 as well. Those methods will almost certainly enable you to unlock all your locked files in Windows 10/11. Then you’ll be able to modify the files however you need to again. Closing background processes with Task Manager or clean booting will often work for unlocking files. However, It’s worth installing a third-party tool like IObit Unlocker or PowerToys since they make it easier to identify background processes locking files.

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