Resolving the ERROR_OPLOCK_HANDLE_CLOSED in Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Restart the SMB Service

Begin by launching the Command Prompt with administrative rights. To do this:

1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
2. Execute the following commands one at a time by pressing Enter after each: net stop server and then net start server .
3. Once completed, close the Command Prompt.

Step 2: Disable Opportunistic Locking (Oplocks)

Next, adjust the registry settings for reduced file locking issues:

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
2. Type regedit and click OK to access the Registry Editor.
3. Confirm any prompts for User Account Control (UAC).
4. In the Registry Editor, navigate to File > Export to save a backup of the registry settings.
5. Head to the path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters .
6. Right-click in the open space, select New, then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value.
7. Name the new DWORD as OplocksDisabled. Double-click it and set the Value data to 1.
8. Click OK and restart your computer to apply the changes.

Step 3: Check for Windows Updates

Keeping Windows updated can resolve underlying issues related to the error:

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
3. If updates are available, select Download & Install.
4. Choose Advanced options and navigate to Optional updates.
5. If present, select the updates and hit Download & Install.

Step 4: Run the Check Disk Utility

Ensure your disk is free from errors using the Check Disk utility:

1. Access the Command Prompt as an administrator (as previously outlined).
2. Enter the command: chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter.
3. If prompted, type Y to schedule the scan after rebooting.
4. Restart your PC to initiate the Check Disk process.

Step 5: Temporarily Disable Antivirus

A malfunctioning antivirus can lead to file locking issues. Temporarily disable it:

1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Click on Manage settings under the settings menu.
4. Turn off Real-time protection using the toggle switch.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can also cause this issue. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Run dialog (press Windows + R ) and enter devmgmt.msc to access Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters section, right-click on your network device, and select Update driver.
3. Select Search automatically for drivers and install updates if found.

If the problem persists, you can reinstall the driver by right-clicking it in Device Manager, selecting Uninstall device, and then scanning for hardware changes again.

What does the ERROR_OPLOCK_HANDLE_CLOSED error mean?

Can third-party antivirus programs cause the ERROR_OPLOCK_HANDLE_CLOSED?