LibreOffice Document Could Not Be Locked Error

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Copy the file to a normal local folder

   Copy steps
   1. 01Save the attachment or file to Documents or Desktop
   2. 02Open it from there
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Check permissions and disk space

   Copy steps
   1. 01Right-click the folder > Properties and confirm write access
   2. 02Free disk space if the drive is full
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Allow LibreOffice in Windows security

   Copy steps
   1. 01Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection
   2. 02Remove the folder from protected folders or allow soffice.bin
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. FIX 4Delete the stale lock file

   Copy steps
   1. 01Close LibreOffice
   2. 02Delete the hidden .~lock.filename# file next to the document
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Warning that the document could not be locked, file opens read-only, or General input/output error.

Why it happens

• C-01No write permission in the folder
• C-02File on read-only media or ISO
• C-03Cloud-synced or network folder
• C-04Windows Controlled Folder Access
• C-05Opened straight from an email attachment

// this guide also covers

• libreoffice document could not be locked
• libreoffice general input/output error
• libreoffice read-only

Other LibreOffice errors

• LibreOffice Won't Open or Crashes on Startup
• LibreOffice Messes Up Word DOCX Formatting
• LibreOffice Impress PPTX Animations and Fonts Not Working
• LibreOffice Calc VBA Macros Not Working
• Why Is LibreOffice So Slow to Start?
• LibreOffice Calc Slow or Not Responding on Large Files
• LibreOffice Crashing or Not Opening on Mac
• How to Recover an Unsaved or Corrupt LibreOffice Document