Knowledge

ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION - 32 (0x20)

The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION is a specific error code in the Windows operating system that indicates an attempt to access a file or directory that is currently being used by another process. This error typically occurs when a program tries to modify a file that is open for exclusive use by another application, or when a file handle is still active and cannot be closed.

Error Details

  • Error Name: ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION
  • Numeric Code: 32 (0x20)
  • Short Description: The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.

This error suggests that there are active processes holding open handles to the file or directory in question, preventing the current operation from proceeding. It can occur during operations such as renaming, deleting, or modifying files and directories.

Common Causes

  • Invalid Parameter Values: Incorrect parameters passed to file system functions.
  • Incorrect Object Type: Attempting to operate on a file when a directory is expected, or vice versa.
  • Exceeding Limits: Reaching the maximum number of open handles for a process.
  • Corrupted Data: File or directory metadata corruption that affects access permissions.

Real-World Context

This error can occur in various scenarios, such as when multiple applications are accessing the same file simultaneously. For example, if an application is writing to a file and another application attempts to delete it, ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION will be returned.

Is This Error Critical?

The criticality of this error depends on the specific operation being performed. If the operation can be retried or modified to avoid conflict with other processes, it may not be immediately critical. However, if the operation is essential and cannot be retried, it could lead to data loss or application failure.

How to Diagnose

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that no other processes are currently using the file or directory in question.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check the parameters passed to the file system functions for correctness and validity.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the correct object types (files vs directories) are being operated on.
  4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that the input data is not corrupted, which could affect access permissions.

How to Resolve

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters passed to file system functions are valid and correctly specified.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If possible, adjust the operation context to avoid conflicts with other processes.
  3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore from a backup or use recovery tools if available.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to perform the operation again with valid inputs.

Developer Notes

  • Always check for active handles before attempting operations on files and directories.
  • Use appropriate error handling mechanisms to manage ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION and other related errors.
  • Ensure that file system functions are called in a way that minimizes conflicts with other processes.

Related Errors

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION mean?

A: It means that another process is currently using the file or directory, preventing access.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure that no other processes are accessing the file before performing operations. Use appropriate error handling to manage conflicts.

Q: Can this error be critical?

A: Yes, it can lead to data loss or application failure if not managed properly.

Summary

ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION is a specific Windows error code indicating that a file or directory cannot be accessed due to another process using it. Understanding the context and causes of this error is crucial for effective troubleshooting and resolution in development environments.