Locking a branch in Azure DevOps is a way to prevent direct changes to the branch, such as pushing commits or merging pull requests. This feature is particularly useful for protecting important branches like main or master from unwanted modifications. Here’s how to lock a branch in Azure DevOps:

Steps to Lock a Branch in Azure DevOps

1. Navigate to Repositories:

   • In your Azure DevOps project, go to the Repos section.

2. Branches:

   • Click on the Branches tab to view the list of branches in your repository.

3. Find the Branch:

   • Locate the branch you want to lock in the list.

4. Lock the Branch:

   • Next to the branch name, there’s usually a small padlock icon. Click on it to toggle the lock.
   • If the branch is unlocked, the padlock will be open. Clicking it will lock the branch, changing the icon to a closed padlock.

5. Confirmation:

   • After clicking, the branch should be locked. Azure DevOps might display a brief confirmation message.

Considerations for Locking Branches

• Branch Policies: In addition to locking a branch, you might want to consider setting up branch policies for further control. Branch policies can enforce code reviews, build validation, and more.

• Impact on Workflow: Locking a branch can impact other users’ workflows. Ensure that team members are aware of the locked branch and understand the process for making changes (like using feature branches and pull requests).

• Temporary Locks: Locks can be temporary. For example, you might lock a branch during a critical production deployment and then unlock it afterward.

• Access Control: Users with sufficient permissions can lock and unlock branches. Be mindful of who has these permissions to prevent unauthorized changes.

Unlocking a Branch

• To unlock a branch, simply click on the closed padlock icon next to the branch name. This will toggle the lock off, allowing direct changes to the branch again.

Locking a branch in Azure DevOps is a straightforward yet powerful tool for protecting important branches from direct changes, ensuring that any modifications go through the proper review and validation processes.