File Sharing Problems

Why Excel Temporary ~$ Lock Files Remain on Network Drives

Huda Qurayshi Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where temporary lock files starting with ~$ do not disappear from a shared network drive after the associated Excel workbook is closed.

Why Excel Temporary ~$ Lock Files Remain on Network Drives

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening and closing shared Excel workbooks stored on a corporate or local network drive.
Observed behavior: The temporary ~$ owner files remain visible in the directory even after closing the workbook, falsely indicating to other users that the file is still in use or locked for editing.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure that no other users on the network currently have the affected Excel workbook open, and try refreshing your File Explorer window to confirm the ghost file hasn't already been cleared by the server.

Solution 1Recommended

Investigate Network Permissions and Server Settings via IT Support

The most effective way to address persistent lock files on enterprise network drives is by consulting your IT administrator or Microsoft 365 support to resolve server-side interruptions.

When Excel creates a ~$ owner file on a network drive, it relies on network protocols (like SMB) to delete it upon closing. Strict folder permissions, network latency, or server-level antivirus scans can interrupt this deletion process, leaving the temporary file behind.

Document the issue

Take a screenshot of the remaining ~$ lock files and copy the exact network folder path where these files are getting stuck.

Contact your IT administrator

Provide the screenshots and file paths to your Microsoft 365 administrator or internal IT support team.

Request a server-side investigation

Ask the admin to investigate file-locking behavior, network storage sync issues, user permission restrictions, or antivirus interference on the shared server.

Submit a Microsoft 365 Service Request

If your internal IT team cannot resolve the behavior, ask them to submit a service request in the Microsoft 365 admin center by navigating to Support > New service request.

Investigate Network Permissions and Server Settings via IT Support

Manual Deletion Workaround: If you have the appropriate folder permissions, you can manually select and delete these leftover ~$ files to remove the lock, provided you are absolutely certain no one else is currently editing the original workbook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a ~$ file in Excel?

A ~$ file (also known as an owner file) is a temporary hidden file Excel creates in the same folder when you open a document. It stores the login name of the person who opened the file to manage editing locks and notify others who is currently using the document.

Can I safely delete leftover ~$ temporary files manually?

Yes. If you are absolutely sure that no one else is currently working on the original Excel file, you can manually delete the leftover ~$ files to clean up the directory and remove the false 'file is locked' prompts for other users.

Why does my antivirus software cause temporary Excel files to remain?

Some antivirus or backup software actively scans new or modified files. If the software locks the temporary ~$ file for scanning at the exact moment Excel attempts to delete it upon closing, Excel's deletion command will fail, leaving the file trapped on the network drive.

How do I see these hidden ~$ files to delete them?

In Windows, open File Explorer, click on the 'View' tab at the top, and check the box next to 'Hidden items' in the Show/hide group. This will reveal the ~$ owner files so you can select and delete them.

Document & File Issues