0x80070020SystemMedium

Error 0x80070020 — Sharing Violation (ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION) | Windows System Error Fix

Windows 11Windows 10Windows Server 2022Windows 8.1

What Does 0x80070020 Mean?

The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.

Real-World Causes

1Another application has the file open exclusively
2Antivirus real-time scanning holding a file lock
3Windows Search indexer accessing the file
4Backup software reading the file
5Application crashed but its file handle persists

Symptoms

⚠Cannot delete, move, or rename a file
⚠Windows Update fails because update files are locked
⚠Installation fails during file replacement
⚠Error when saving a document that is open elsewhere

DIY Fix

Beginner-friendly steps you can try at home

1Close all applications that might be using the file
2Use Task Manager to end processes that might hold the file
3Restart the computer to release all file locks
4Boot into Safe Mode where fewer processes are running

Advanced Fix

For experienced users and IT professionals

1Use Resource Monitor > CPU > Associated Handles to find the locking process
2Use Sysinternals Handle.exe: 'handle.exe filename' to identify the lock holder

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find which program is locking a file?

Open Resource Monitor (resmon.exe), go to the CPU tab, and type the file name in the 'Associated Handles' search box. This shows which process has the file locked. You can then close that process or wait for it to finish.

Related Error Codes

0x80070021Lock Violation (ERROR_LOCK_VIOLATION)0x80070005Access Denied (ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED)

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.