Fix 'Sharing Violation' Error When Saving Files to External Drives

Updated at: 22/06/2025

Frustrated by the "Sharing violation" error when saving files to your external drive? This annoying problem often stems from files being locked or processes accessing them. This guide provides clear, step-by-step solutions to troubleshoot and resolve this common issue. Learn how to identify the culprit, unlock problematic files, and regain control over your external storage, preventing future disruptions to your workflow. Let's get your files saving smoothly again!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Quit Application

    • Quit the application (e.g., Excel) you're using to edit the file.
    Quit the application (e.g., Excel) you're using to edit the file.
    Quit Application

  2. Grant Full Disk Access

    • Go to System Preferences.
    • Open Security & Privacy.
    • Unlock the settings by clicking the lock icon.
    • Navigate to 'Full Disk Access'.
    Navigate to 'Full Disk Access'. Navigate to 'Full Disk Access'. Navigate to 'Full Disk Access'. Navigate to 'Full Disk Access'.
    Grant Full Disk Access
    • Check the box next to the application you are using (e.g., Excel).
    • Lock the settings again.
    Lock the settings again. Lock the settings again.
    Grant Full Disk Access

  3. Copy and Open File

    • Copy the file from your local drive to the external drive.
    • Open the file from the external drive.
    Open the file from the external drive. Open the file from the external drive.
    Copy and Open File

  4. Edit and Save

    • Make your edits and save the file.
    Make your edits and save the file.
    Edit and Save
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Tips

  • Ensure you have the necessary permissions to access and modify files on the external drive.
  • Always close applications before attempting to save files to external drives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Permissions

Reason: The user account doesn't have the necessary write permissions to the external drive or a specific folder on it.
Solution: Grant full control permissions to the user account for the relevant drive or folder.

2. File Already in Use

Reason: The file you're trying to save is currently open in another program, preventing it from being overwritten or saved.
Solution: Close all programs that might be using the file and try saving again.

FAQs

I've tried everything, and I'm still getting the sharing violation error. What else can I do?
If all the basic troubleshooting steps (closing programs, checking for locked files, running a virus scan) haven't worked, the issue might be more complex. Consider these advanced steps: checking your drive's file system for errors (using CHKDSK in Windows or Disk Utility in macOS), trying a different USB port or cable, or even trying a different computer to rule out hardware issues. If the problem persists after these steps, the external drive itself might be failing and require professional repair or replacement.