Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x80070433: How to Fix It

Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
0x80070433
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
hresult
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
Error code 0x80070433, also known as ERROR_OPLOCK_BREAK_IN_PROGRESS, means Windows is waiting for an opportunistic lock (oplock) break to complete. This typically occurs when you try to access a file or drive that is currently being used by another program or process. It's a medium-severity issue that can prevent file operations but is usually temporary.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80070433

  1. Restart Your Computer

  2. Close All Open Programs

  3. Run the System File Checker (SFC)

    Do not close Command Prompt during the scan.
  4. Adjust Network Settings (If Using Network Drive)

    Editing registry incorrectly can harm your system. Back up the registry first. Disabling oplocks may reduce network performance.
  5. Disable Windows Search Indexing

    Disabling indexing will slow down file searches.
  6. Run Disk Check on the Affected Drive

    Disk check can take a long time. Do not interrupt it.

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When to Call a Professional

If none of the above steps resolve the error and the issue persists across reboots, it may indicate deeper file system corruption or failing hardware. In that case, contact a professional technician or Microsoft Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is error 0x80070433 in Windows?
Error 0x80070433 means an oplock (opportunistic lock) break is pending. This happens when a file or drive is locked by another process and Windows cannot complete your request until that lock is released.
How do I fix error 0x80070433 on a network drive?
First, ensure no other user is accessing the file. Then, try adjusting network oplock settings via Group Policy or registry (disable oplocks per step 4). You can also restart the file server or your PC.
Can I disable oplocks to fix error 0x80070433?
Yes, you can disable oplock negotiation by setting the registry key EnableOplocks to 0 under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters. This may resolve the error but can reduce network performance.
Is error 0x80070433 dangerous?
No, it's a temporary state and does not indicate hardware failure. However, if persistent, it can prevent access to files. It is not a security threat.
What tools do I need to fix error 0x80070433?
No physical tools are needed. You only need administrative access to your Windows computer to run Command Prompt and make registry changes safely.