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Windows Backup Failed to Get an Exclusive Lock [Fix]

Check for any hard drive errors that may prevent Windows backup

6 min. read

Updated onApril 2, 2024

updated onApril 2, 2024

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Key notes

Windows backup is a great tool to safeguard your data against failures and disasters. However, sometimes you may find yourself stuck with an error message indicating thatWindows backup failed to get an exclusive lock on the EFI system partition.

Windows 11 backup errorsare not new, so let’s have a closer look at what this one means and how you can get back to smooth backups again.

What does theWindows backup failed to get an exclusive lockerror mean?

If you get theWindows backup failed to get an exclusive lock on the EFI system partitionmessage when backing up your PC, another application is using the drive, and the backup process cannot be completed.

This can happen because of one or more of the following reasons:

How can I fix theWindows backup failed to get an exclusive lockerror?

Here are some preliminary steps that may help you resolve this issue:

1. Disable antivirus temporarily

2. Perform a System File Checker scan

Alternatively, you can save time and effort and perform this action more in-depth by using adedicated repair program.

3. Run a virus scan

4. Uninstall recently installed programs

5. Reformat your backup drive

6. Perform a clean boot

7. Change the logon user

8. Use an alternative backup solution

If you’re still facing theWindows backup failed to get an exclusive lock on the EFI system partitionerror, it may be time to try other avenues.

There are a lot ofWindows 11 backup optionsavailable that you can choose from as you wait for this issue to be resolved.

That’s it from our end, but leave us a comment below if you could address this issue using a solution not mentioned here.

Windows Backup Failed to Get an Exclusive Lock [Fix]#

What does theWindows backup failed to get an exclusive lockerror mean?#

How can I fix theWindows backup failed to get an exclusive lockerror?#

1. Disable antivirus temporarily#

2. Perform a System File Checker scan#

3. Run a virus scan#

4. Uninstall recently installed programs#

5. Reformat your backup drive#

6. Perform a clean boot#

7. Change the logon user#

8. Use an alternative backup solution#