FIX Excel Error: 'File is locked for editing...Open Read-Only or click 'Notify'

Are you seeing a "File in Use" or "Locked for Editing" error in Excel? Perhaps it specifically states something like below:

File in Use: file is locked for editing by 'another user'. Open 'Read-Only' or click 'Notify' to open read-only and receive notification when the document is no longer in use.

If you're seeing this error, then follow the steps in this video tutorial to unlock your document so you can access it once again!

[dangnguyen-rn]

how to open the "expand the list of open files"

[TheTank]

At 1:42 in the video, you say "expand the list of open files" but I don't see how you expanded the list of open files. I tried double-clicking, left clicking, right clicking . . . nothing seems to get me there. Can you explain that part? Thank you!

[heksemann]

If you don't have permission to do this and you suspect it was you who had this file open last - kill stale excel processes by bringing up the task manager and Ending any excel tasks there. Save all open excel files and exit all working excel processes the normal way first!

[worktech]

not working for me need to acces on a Synology but nothing is showing not even local

[roopinderpalsinghrandhawa]

Great video. Saved me a ton of headache.

For those who file no files are listed (example when file is on SharePoint), Click on Open files ON the Left, then on the middle, then in the right section click on (open files Local), more Actions arrow and check "Disconnect All Open Files", even if no files are listed.

While adding the snap-in chose Local computer as you cannot browse your way to SharePoint as of today Mar 04, 2024

[dg-zltn]

That means our file is hacked. By other user