SharePoint Document Issues

How to Force Check-In or Undo Checkout for Locked SharePoint Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Administrators need to force check-in or undo checkout for locked files in SharePoint to enable editing or deletion.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Administrators are unable to manage, edit, or delete files because they are checked out by a custom application or user, often with no checked-in version existing.
Observed behavior: The files remain locked in a checked-out state and prevent administrative actions like deleting or editing.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Administrator or Library Administrator permissions, as standard users cannot manage or override files checked out by other users or applications.

Solution 1Recommended

Use SharePoint Library Settings to Take Ownership and Discard Checkout

The most common and accessible method for administrators to manage locked files directly through the SharePoint web interface.

When a file is uploaded or checked out but never checked in, it becomes invisible to other users. Administrators can use the Library Settings to locate these hidden files, take ownership of them, and resolve the lock.

Open Library Settings

Navigate to the specific SharePoint document library containing the locked files, click the Settings gear icon, and select Library Settings.

Manage Files with No Checked-in Version

Under the Permissions and Management section, click on the link titled 'Manage files which have no checked-in version'.

Take Ownership

Select the checkboxes next to the locked files you wish to unlock, and click the 'Take Ownership of Selection' button.

Check In or Discard

Return to the document library. You can now see the files. Select them and choose either to check them in or discard the checkout entirely. Once done, you can freely edit or delete the files.

Investigate Custom Apps: If this issue occurs frequently, check whether a custom application or automated workflow is checking out the files without properly completing the check-in process.

Solution 2

Undo Checkout Using the SharePoint REST API

A programmatic approach to forcefully undo a checkout, which is especially useful for developers, automation scripts, or when dealing with bulk app-locked files.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do SharePoint files get stuck with no checked-in version?

This commonly happens when a user or a custom background application uploads or creates a new file, but the initial check-in process fails or is interrupted. The file remains in a checked-out state and is invisible to other standard users.

Can standard users force a check-in for files locked by someone else?

No. Only users with elevated permissions, such as Site Administrator, Library Administrator, or Full Control, have the authority to take ownership and discard or force check-in for files checked out by others.

Does discarding a checkout delete recent changes?

Yes. When you discard a checkout, the file is reverted back to its last checked-in version. Any modifications made by the user or application while the file was checked out will be permanently lost.

Document & File Issues