ErrorFindly
0xC0000043ApplicationMedium

Error 0xC0000043 — STATUS_SHARING_VIOLATION | Application Error Fix

Windows 10Windows 11Windows Server 2016Windows Server 2019Windows Server 2022

What Does 0xC0000043 Mean?

A file cannot be opened because the share access flags are incompatible. Another process has the file open with a sharing mode that conflicts with the requested access.

Real-World Causes

  1. 1Another application has the file open exclusively
  2. 2Antivirus is scanning the file and holding a lock
  3. 3Backup software has locked the file during backup
  4. 4Application crashed and left file handles open
  5. 5Windows Search indexer is processing the file

Symptoms

  • ⚠Cannot save, delete, or rename a file
  • ⚠Error message: 'The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process'
  • ⚠Application reports sharing violation when opening files
  • ⚠File copy or move operations fail

DIY Fix

Beginner-friendly steps you can try at home

  1. 1Close other applications that may have the file open
  2. 2Use Task Manager to end processes that might be locking the file
  3. 3Wait a moment and retry — antivirus or indexer may release the lock shortly
  4. 4Restart the computer to release all file locks

Advanced Fix

For experienced users and IT professionals

  1. 1Use Process Explorer (Sysinternals) Find > Find Handle to identify which process holds the file lock
  2. 2Use Handle.exe (Sysinternals): handle.exe <filename> to find the locking process
  3. 3Use Resource Monitor > CPU > Associated Handles to search for the file
  4. 4Use PowerShell: Get-Process | ForEach-Object { $_.Modules } to find processes using the file

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find which program is locking the file?
Open Resource Monitor (resmon.exe), go to the CPU tab, and in the Associated Handles section search for the filename. This will show you exactly which process has the file locked.
Is it safe to force-close the locking process?
It depends on the process. Closing a user application is generally safe, though you may lose unsaved work. Avoid force-closing system processes or services as this could cause instability.

Related Error Codes

0xC0000022STATUS_ACCESS_DENIED0xC0000008STATUS_INVALID_HANDLE0xC00000BASTATUS_FILE_IS_A_DIRECTORY

About the Author

Windows Troubleshooting Team

Verified against official Microsoft documentation and real-world diagnostic data. Error behavior confirmed across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.