LCK_M_IX vs LCK_M_X: What’s the Difference and How Does Lock Escalation Work?

• abdalah.mehdoini

  Ten Centuries

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  May 3, 2026 at 12:31 pm

  #4795856

  Hi everyone, I’d like to understand the difference between the waits LCK_M_IX and LCK_M_X in SQL Server.

  What is the exact difference between an IX (Intent Exclusive) lock and an X (Exclusive) lock?

  In which direction does lock escalation occur?

  Does SQL Server escalate from IX to X?

  Or can it happen the other way around?

  Thanks in advance for your help.

   

• Site Owners

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  May 4, 2026 at 1:12 pm

  #4802872

  Thanks for posting your issue and hopefully someone will answer soon.

  This is an automated bump to increase visibility of your question.