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ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION: 11 Best Fixes

9 min. read

Updated onNovember 4, 2024

updated onNovember 4, 2024

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Do you keep seeing ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION when trying to access a file?

The Windows file system uses a robust caching system to address multitasking. However, due to a bug in the early editions of Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2, you might get the following error:

Occasionally, there are reports of the same issue in modern versions, like Windows 10 and 11.

How To Fix ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION

To help you resolve this pressing issue, I’ve listed the tried and tested methods below starting with the easiest ones:

Basic Troubleshooting

Update Windows OS to Its Latest Edition

For Windows 10 and 11 PCs, follow these steps:

For older Windows PCs, try these steps instead:

If you don’t see the above update option, you can manually download the appropriate Service Pack for your Windows OS from theMicrosoft Download Center. Since Microsoft has stopped supporting older versions, you might have to install Service Packs manually.

You can also check out theMicrosoft Update Catalogportal for more updates.

Use the Sysinternals Process Explorer Tool

Sometimes, Windows Task Manager can’t completely stop conflicting apps. Hence, ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION will still show up even if you’ve closed a few of them.

You can use the Sysinternals Process Explorer instead. Here’s how:

Run a Disk Error Check

Scan for Malware in Offline Mode

Change File Security Permissions

Are you seeing the ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION error in aWorkgroup/ Homegroup network, shared drive, or non-administrator Windows account? Try allowing access to the file for all collaborators or reducing the security policies by following these steps:

Fix Hardware, Driver, and Firmware Issues

It might be possible that the disk drive isn’t installed appropriately or it’s facing connectivity issues. So, shut down the PC and open the PC case. Unplug the power and data cable from the HDD or SSD. If it’s an NVMe M.2 SSD chip, remove it from its PCIe slot.

Snuggly connect the cables back to the hard disk or solid-state drive. For the NVMe chip, reseat it appropriately. Power on the PC and check if the issue resurfaces again or not.

Also, ensure that the SATA HDD drivers of the Windows PC are updated by performing these steps:

If the internal storage is an SSD or NVMe SSD chip, you can install the manufacturer’sSSD management software. For example, I’m using NVMe M.2 drive from Crucial so I’ve installed and tested the method using theCrucial Storage Executiveapp.

Check if there are any updates available for the hardware firmware.

Apply the update and restart the PC.

Run the SFC and DSM Scans to Fix the Windows File System

If the Windows file system is compromised, the following scans will reveal and fix that:

Perform a Clean Boot

Now, test if the issue goes away. Whatever the outcome is, don’t forget to reboot into normal mode by enabling all third-party services again.

Use Windows System Restore

Did the ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION start appearing after a major change to the PC? You might try rolling back the changes by following these steps:

Contact Microsoft Consumer Support for a Hotfix

If you’re using any of the following Windows PC or Server systems and none of the above fixes are working, you should contact the technical support team:

Visit theContact uspage and select theWindows OSlogo. On theWindows overlaybox, hit theGet Business Supportbutton if you’re coming from a business organization. Alternatively, if you’re an individual user, click on theGet Home Supportoption.

You’ll have to sign in with aMicrosoft 365orMicrosoft Liveaccount to contact a premium support specialist.

Summary

So, these are the methods you can follow to fix the Windows file system error ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION in various OS editions. We also have a new article onError_Lock_Failed, so don’t miss it.

Did these solutions work for you? Do you know a better fix? Comment below to share your thoughts. Additionally, learn how to deal with a similar problem,ASSIGN_DRIVE_LETTERS_FAILED.

ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION: 11 Best Fixes#

How To Fix ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION#

Basic Troubleshooting#

Update Windows OS to Its Latest Edition#

Use the Sysinternals Process Explorer Tool#

Run a Disk Error Check#

Scan for Malware in Offline Mode#

Change File Security Permissions#

Fix Hardware, Driver, and Firmware Issues#

Run the SFC and DSM Scans to Fix the Windows File System#

Perform a Clean Boot#

Use Windows System Restore#

Contact Microsoft Consumer Support for a Hotfix#

Summary#