How to access excel files in use by another program

Hi Randy,

1. What's the file extension of the Excel document you're trying to open? Is it .xls or .xlsx?
2. Please open Command Prompt and run the following command:

icacls "%temp%"

Copy the output and post it in your next reply.

Excel files that are “in use by another program” are locked for editing. Depending on the situation, only limited options are available:

1. If the file is actually locked by you
   • Close the workbook on all devices where it might be open (PC, laptop, mobile, Excel for the web).
   • Wait a few minutes so the server or file share can release the lock. Sometimes the server still thinks the file is open and needs time to catch up.
2. If the file is locked by another user or process
   • Wait until the other user or program finishes and closes the file.
   • If available, choose to open the file as Read-only so it can at least be viewed (changes cannot be saved back to the same file).
   • Ask the other user to close the file, check it in (if stored in SharePoint/OneDrive), or grant edit permissions if it is a permissions issue.
3. If using co-authoring (shared files)
   • Ensure everyone editing the file is using a version of Excel that supports co-authoring, such as Microsoft 365 subscription Excel or Excel for the web. Older versions may cause the file to be locked instead of shared for simultaneous editing.

There is no supported way to bypass the lock and edit the same file simultaneously from a program that does not support co-authoring. Use read-only access or wait for the lock to be released.

References:

• Excel file is locked for editing
• Unlock a file that has been locked for editing