Error - Could not save the file because the file is locked in Photoshop

[alisonj86137471]

the whole message says " Could not save (file) because the file is locked, you do not have the necessary access permissions, or another program is using the file.  Use the "Properties" command in the Windows Explorer to unlock the file.

I have Windows 10 so have looked in the properties command of File Explorer and there is no way to unlock a file.  I have also looked at the previous forums and have had no success.  I was thinking Google Drive might have something to do with this. 

I'm thinking the only thing to do is to uninstall PS and reinstall (which I don't know how to do).  Unless anyone else has a bright idea.

Thanks a lot. 

[Akash Sharma]

Hi alisonj86137471,

Could you please try the steps mentioned below: -

Quit Photoshop, then press Command + Option + Shift on cold-starting Photoshop. Get the keys down quickly enough and you'll be asked to confirm deletion of your current preferences.

Also, if you're having file format problems, ensure you haven't somehow tied in plug-ins provided by Adobe for a different (e.g., older) version of Photoshop.

Regards,

Akash

[alisonj86137471]

I think Command option shift is for an apple,  I don't see those keys.  I have a PC.  I tried  ctrl, alt, shift but that had no effect.

What should I do for a PC with Windows 10?

Thank you 

[M.Attiya]

press and hold Shift+Ctrl+Alt (Win) / Shift+Command+Option (Mac)

[Gast]

You could try Lockhunter. I've used it many a time to get rid of those annoying dll etc's that some software companies think we want left cluttering our hard drives with no way to remove (sans Lockhunter type programs). It'll show you what is locking it and in some cases I've had more than one culprit locking them. Hasn't failed me yet. Might be worth a try to save you having to do a re-install.

LockHunter is a free 64/32 bit tool to delete files blocked by any processes

[RoseMM]

Try to delete the file.  It should then tell you where you file is open.  In my case, it was my backup system running in the background.  In that case, I will shut down Carbonite while working in PS.  If I remember...

[Trevor.Dennis]

I just use 'Save As' and save with a different name, then sort out the conflict later.  You can't close and restart Photoshop, because you'd lose your work! 

Sometimes it might not be obvious that the file is open, or being used in another application, so with Windows, we look at the hidden icons in the Task Bar.  The sort of situations that can lead to this is if you opened the image from and email application, and the email recognizes that it has changed.  Alt tabbing through active windows might find a 'Save Changes' dialogue'.   I have no idea how this works on Mac systems.

[colcamper2]

This worked for me. Thank you for the advice.

[kasozi5C70]

cool, it worked only after changing the save location disc from "C"(system) to "D"

[Canon Click]

Disable your antivirus when you work on adobe ao then you can save your work easily

[Amir5E61]

successful thanks for your advice

[Rihanat5C25]

Thanks so much, this worked. 

[RoseMM]

Try to delete the file.  It should then tell you where you file is open.  In my case, it was my backup system running in the background.  In that case, I will shut down Carbonite while working in PS.  If I remember...  I didn't have or see the Carbonite icon as active. Potential user overlook.

[alisonj86137471 · Accepted solution]

I found the answer on another thread.  It was the anti virus causing the problem.  I uninstalled Avast and now I can save.  Problem solved.

[ZeeshanGhori]

Thanks! This helped.

[MTHALO]

You don't have to uninstall avast you just have to add photoshop to the whitelist in avast allowed apps.

[helpful_Enigma5EF9]

Thanks a lot! This worked!!

[Duílio23652651jpzu]

Thank you so very much. Works!

[kyriosity]

How do I do this?

[Nadia5C3F]

YES!! Thank you so much! This worked for me!

[Gilross Jim5E3A]

I didn't uninstalled mine but added it to Allowed Apps instead.

[kyriosity]

How does one do this?

[gild23427272]

This!!! Thank youuuuuuuuu

[Favour31054865zocw]

Thanks 🙏 this worked

[chadw90441369]

I can confirm; just uninstalled Avast and everything works fine.