How to fix word document locked for editing on network drive

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix word document locked for editing on network drive. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

When you try to open a Microsoft Word document stored on a shared network drive or NAS device, you may receive a message stating that the file is locked for editing by another user. This commonly happens when a previous session closed unexpectedly, leaving a temporary lock file behind, or when a colleague has the document open on their workstation. While this is a standard safety feature to prevent conflicting changes, it can interrupt your workflow. This guide explains how to resolve the lock and regain access to your document.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Ask the user listed in the lock message to close the document.
2. Wait 30–60 seconds for the server to release the lock.
3. Reopen the document.

Detailed Instructions

Check for another user

1. When Word displays the locked message, note the name of the user shown as having the file open.
2. Contact that person and ask them to save their changes and close Word completely.
3. Wait briefly, then try opening the document again.

Delete temporary lock files

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the locked document.
2. Look for a hidden temporary file beginning with a tilde and dollar sign, such as ~$DocumentName.docx.
3. If you cannot see hidden files, select the View tab in File Explorer and check the Hidden items box.
4. Right-click the temporary lock file and select Delete.
5. Empty the Recycle Bin to fully release the lock.
6. Reopen the original Word document.

Restart the computer holding the lock

1. If the document appears locked but no one is using it, the user's computer may have crashed or gone to sleep without closing Word properly.
2. Ask that user to restart their computer.
3. Once restarted, try opening the document again from your workstation.

Check for offline files sync issues

1. If your organisation uses Offline Files, your local cache may be out of sync with the network drive.
2. Select the Start button, type mobsync, and press Enter.
3. In the Sync Center window, review any sync conflicts or errors related to the document.
4. Resolve conflicts by choosing the correct version to keep.
5. Try opening the document again.

Troubleshooting

Document remains locked after deleting temporary files

• The file may be held open by a background process or a disconnected session on the file server.
• Contact your IT administrator to check open files on the server and close the session manually.

Lock message appears for every document on the drive

• This may indicate a broader issue with the NAS device, network share permissions, or the server's file locking service.
• Restart the file server or NAS device if you have administrative access.
• If the problem persists, contact your IT support provider for assistance.

You need to edit the document immediately

• Use Word's Open as Read-Only option to view the content without making changes.
• Use Save As to create a copy with a new filename so you can continue working while the original is unlocked.

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