Visual Studio TFS checkout missing "Check out" checkout type

Question

When my guys checkout a file, I would like them to lock it so others can't also make changes, I see from this post: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj155783.aspx that this is possible using the Check Out type, however, this appears to be missing from the list of options I have available. I only have Unchanged and Check In.

I am using the free version of TFS in the cloud linked directly with VS2013.

I am using TFS Source Control and have "Enable Multiple Checkouts" disabled. I have also changed the default workspace type to server from local.

Answer 1

This article on MSDN describes the available lock types:

In Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2012, check-out locks are generally not effective because of local workspaces (see Decide between using a local or a server workspace). Specifically, check-out locks are:

• Not enforceable because other users might be using local workspaces.
• Not available if you are using a local workspace.
• Disabled if a member of the Administrators security group of your team project collection has enabled asynchronous checkout for your team’s server workspaces.

A check-out lock prevents users who are using server workspaces from checking out and making changes to the locked item in their workspaces. You cannot apply a check-out lock to an item for which any pending changes exist, in any workspace other than your own.

Check whether your workspace is a local one or if the administrator has set the option for asynchronous check outs. In my installation of Visual Studio Online I have a local workspace by default. As soon as I changed it to be stored on the server, the Check Out option was available.

In order to change the type of workspace, carry out the following steps:

1. In Source Control Explorer, locate the workspace drop down at the top and choose Workspaces....
2. Select Edit, then Advanced.
3. Change location from Local to Server.
4. Exit the dialogs using the Ok or the Close buttons respectively.

Answer 2

Exclusive checkout option will not be available if the workspace Location is set to Local. If that option is needed then workspace location under workspace settings needs to be set to be “Server”.