How to Fix SharePoint Files Cannot Be Moved Because They Are Checked Out
Question details
Users are unable to move certain files during a SharePoint migration because the files are checked out by other users and remain hidden from the standard interface.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating a large document library from SharePoint 2013 to SharePoint Online.
- Observed behavior
- Files cannot be moved, and checked-out files are not visible in the standard SharePoint user interface.
Ensure you have Site Collection Administrator permissions, as managing files checked out by other users requires elevated administrative access.
Take Ownership of Files with No Checked In Version
Use SharePoint's built-in library settings to locate and take ownership of files that have never been checked in, making them visible and movable.
When a user uploads a file to SharePoint but fails to check it in for the first time, it exists only in their personal draft space. These files remain invisible to standard users and most administrators in the default view.
Navigate to the affected Document Library in SharePoint and click on 'Library Settings' located in the top ribbon.
Under the 'Permissions and Management' column, click on the link that says 'Manage files which have no checked in version'.
Select the checkboxes next to the files that are checked out by others, then click on 'Take Ownership of Selection' to force the files into your administrative view.
Return to the document library, locate the newly visible files, check them in, and proceed with your migration to SharePoint Online.
Seek Assistance from the SharePoint Developer Community
For complex migration issues or bulk check-out problems that cannot be easily resolved via the UI, consult Microsoft's dedicated developer community.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management
While resolving SharePoint server migration issues requires Microsoft administrative tools, managing your actual documents is easier with WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office with full format compatibility and built-in cloud capabilities.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and follow the installation wizard.
- 2. Sign In to Cloud: Launch the application and sign in to access WPS Cloud storage for easy team collaboration.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Drag and drop your exported SharePoint documents directly into the WPS workspace to start editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are checked-out files invisible to administrators in SharePoint?
If a user uploads a file but never checks it in for the first time, it exists only in their personal draft space. Because it has no checked-in version, it remains invisible to other users, including administrators, in the standard default library view.
How can I force a check-in on a file checked out by someone else?
Site Collection Administrators can override check-outs by navigating to Library Settings > Manage files which have no checked in version, taking ownership of the hidden files, and then formally checking the files into the library.
Can the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) move checked-out files?
Generally, the SharePoint Migration Tool skips files that are checked out or have no checked-in version. To ensure a complete migration, you must check in all files before initiating the transfer process.
