---
source_url: "https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2023/09/lock-files-more-easily-in-google-drive.html"
title: "Google Workspace Updates: Lock files more easily in Google Drive"
mirrored_at: 2026-08-24T03:33:04.355Z
host: workspaceupdates.googleblog.com
cited_in_42a: true
mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2023/09/lock-files-more-easily-in-google-drive.html"
---

> **Original source:** https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2023/09/lock-files-more-easily-in-google-drive.html

September 5, 2023

-   [Google Drive](http://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/search/label/Google%20Drive)
-   [Rapid Release](http://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/search/label/Rapid%20Release)

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/prod-fiber/blog/default_blue.svg)

### What’s changing

We’re adding the option to lock Drive files by right-clicking the file, selecting “File information”, and clicking “Lock”. Locking a file makes sure reviewers can’t change a file. Edits, comments and suggestions can't be added to locked documents. 

This update simplifies and streamlines the process of restricting files in Drive, which was previously only available through the [Google Drive API](https://developers.google.com/drive/api/guides/about-sdk) or through [file approvals](https://support.google.com/drive/answer/9387535?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&oco=0). 

### Getting started

-   **Admins:** There is no admin control for this feature.
-   **End users:** 

-   In order to lock a Drive file, you must have edit-access to the Drive file. 
-   When hovering over a file in Drive, _right-click into the context menu and choose “File information” > “Lock”> confirm that you actually want to lock the document by selecting “Lock”._ 

-   Once locked, no one can make edits to the Doc until it is unlocked. 
-   You can unlock a file through the context menu as well. 

-   Visit the Help Center to learn more about [getting approvals on files in Google Drive](https://support.google.com/drive/answer/9387535?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&oco=0). 

### Rollout pace 

-   [Rapid Release domains](https://support.google.com/a/answer/172177): Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 5, 2023 
-   [Scheduled Release domains](https://support.google.com/a/answer/172177): Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 20, 2023 

### Availability 

-   Available to all Google Workspace customers 

### Resources 

-   [Google Help: Get approvals on files in Google Drive](https://support.google.com/drive/answer/9387535?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&oco=0)