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Question

How to force unlock a file.

  • May 22, 2025
  • 2 replies
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I share an Excel file with our team members and have them input data in Excel Online. I need to edit the Excel file in Excel on my desktop, but if one of my team members has the file open, the Excel file is locked and cannot be edited on my desktop. I am the owner of this Excel file. Is there any way for the owner  to force the file to be unlocked?

    2 replies

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    Hi there, 

    Welcome to the Box Community!

    Based on the information you shared, it looks like this is expected behavior when editing MS files.

    Concurrent editing is currently not supported when editing MS files using the desktop MS apps, thus when someone is already working on it in the MS online app, the file appears as locked unless the other users close the file.

    If you would like to be able to simultaneously edit this excel file with your teammates, we recommend user Excel online app.

    For more details about this Box-office online integration, please check out this article: https://support.box.com/hc/en-us/articles/360044196433-Box-for-Office-Integrations#bfo_officeonline

    Stay safe and thanks for reaching out!

    Best,

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    Forum|alt.badge.img

    France, thank you for your reply.

    I think the problem can be avoided if the PC app can know if the file is locked before updating the file in the Box. My PC app is created in Excel VBA, is there any way for VBA to know if the Box file is locked? Or does Box provide an API to know the file status?

    Regards,

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