MSVC build errors > LNK1168

LNK1168: cannot open file for writing

fatal error LNK1168: cannot open C:\Projects\App\x64\Debug\App.exe for writing

The linker could not overwrite the program it builds, because another process holds the file open.

Causes and fixes

1. The program is still running. Close it, or stop debugging. A console program that waits for a key, or a process that hangs after its window closed, keeps the file locked: end it in Task Manager.
2. Another tool holds the file. An antivirus scanning the new file, a profiler, or a process that loaded the DLL can lock it for a moment: build again, or close that tool.
3. The file is read-only. Clear the read-only attribute of the output file or folder.

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Related errors: LNK1104. See all guides.