The Lightroom catalog cannot be opened because another application already has it opened

Lightroom Classic User Guide
Introduction to Lightroom Classic
1. What's new in Lightroom Classic
2. Lightroom Classic system requirements
3. Lightroom Classic | Common Questions
4. Lightroom Classic Key Concepts
5. Lightroom Classic tutorials
6. Set Preferences for working in Lightroom Classic
7. Reset Preferences for working in Lightroom Classic
Workspace
1. Workspace basics
2. Display the Library on a second monitor
3. Personalize identity plates and module buttons
4. Watermark your photos in Lightroom Classic
5. Color management
Import photos
1. Specify import options
2. Set import preferences
3. Import photos from a camera or card reader
4. Import photos from a folder on a hard drive
5. Import photos automatically
6. Import photos from Photoshop Elements
7. Import photos from a tethered camera
8. The Filename Template Editor and Text Template Editor
Organize photos in Lightroom Classic
1. Face recognition
2. Work with photo collections
3. Group photos into stacks
4. Flag, label, and rate photos
5. Use keywords
6. Metadata basics and actions
7. Find photos in the catalog
8. Work with video in Lightroom Classic
9. Advanced metadata actions
10. Use the Quick Develop panel
Process and develop photos
1. Develop module basics
2. Create panoramas and HDR panoramas
3. Flat-Field Correction
4. Correct distorted perspective in photos using Upright
5. Improve image quality using Enhance
6. Work with image tone and color
7. Masking
8. Apply local adjustments
9. HDR photo merge
10. Develop module options
11. Retouch photos
12. Cure red eye and pet eye effects
13. Use the Radial Filter tool
14. Adjustments with Lens Blur
15. Edit and Export in HDR
16. Remove Tool
Viewing photos
1. View photos
2. Browse and compare photos
3. Set Library view options
4. Share photos for comments and feedback
5. Smart Previews
Export photos
1. Export files to disk or CD
2. Export photos from Lightroom Classic
3. Publish photos online
4. Export to hard drive using publish services
5. Presets for export, and other settings
Work with external editors
1. External Editing preferences
2. Open and edit Lightroom Classic photos in Photoshop
Manage catalogs and files
1. How Lightroom Classic catalogs work
2. Create and manage catalogs
3. Back up a catalog
4. Locate missing photos
5. Create and manage folders
6. Manage photos within folders
Maps
1. Work with the Map module
Photo books
1. Create photo books
Slideshows
1. Create slideshows
2. Slideshow module panels and tools
3. Specify the slide layout
4. Add overlays to slides
5. Play and export slideshows
Print photos
1. Print module basics
2. Print module layouts and templates
3. Work with print job options and settings
Web galleries
1. Create web galleries
2. Use the Web module panels and tools
3. Work with web gallery layouts
4. Work with web gallery templates and settings
5. Preview, export, and upload web photo galleries
Keyboard shortcuts
1. Keyboard shortcuts
Content Authenticity
1. Content Authenticity in Lightroom Classic
Lightroom and Adobe services
1. Creative Cloud Libraries
2. Using Adobe Stock in Creative Cloud apps
Troubleshooting
1. Fixed Issues
2. Known Issues
Technical Support
1. Performance Guidelines
2. Technical issues
  1. GPU Issues
    1. Troubleshoot graphics processor (GPU) and graphics driver issues | Lightroom Classic
    2. Lightroom Classic GPU FAQ
  2. Startup Issues
  3. Rendering Issues
    1. Troubleshoot issues with Develop module
  4. Stability Issues
    1. Troubleshoot crash or freeze in Lightroom Classic
  5. Miscellaneous Issues
    1. FAQ | Color in Lightroom Classic
    2. Lightroom desktop and mobile apps unavailable to Education memberships | Kivuto
3. Workflow Issues
  1. Catalog Issues
  2. Sync Issues
    1. Lightroom Classic sync FAQ

Issue

When you launch Lightroom Classic, you encounter the error "The Lightroom catalog cannot be opened because another application already has it opened."

Solution

Close Lightroom Classic.
Go to the folder where your catalog file [yourcatalogname].lrcat is saved. By default, Lightroom Classic saves catalogs in the following folders:
- Windows: \Users\[user name]\Pictures\Lightroom
- macOS: /Users/[user name]/Pictures/Lightroom
where [user name] is the user id with which you are logged in.
Move the [yourcatalogname].lrcat.lock file to the Trash (macOS) or Recycle Bin (Windows), if it is present at this folder location.

Caution:

Do not delete or move the main [yourcatalogname].lrcat file.
Relaunch Lightroom Classic.
If your catalog opens successfully, you can empty the Trash (macOS) or Recycle Bin (Windows).

More information

When Lightroom Classic is running with a catalog open, it creates a [yourcatalogname].lrcat.lock file next to the [yourcatalogname].lrcat file. This file ensures that there is no other access to the catalog in use. When you exit Lightroom Classic, the lock file is deleted automatically.

However, if Lightroom Classic is not shut down properly, the .lrcat.lock file remains in the same folder as the .lrcat file, which prevents Lightroom Classic from opening.

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Error: Lightroom catalog cannot be opened