diff --git a/packages/node_modules/@node-red/editor-client/src/js/nodes.js b/packages/node_modules/@node-red/editor-client/src/js/nodes.js
index cdaf0e00a..a7bfc1191 100644
--- a/packages/node_modules/@node-red/editor-client/src/js/nodes.js
+++ b/packages/node_modules/@node-red/editor-client/src/js/nodes.js
@@ -2560,11 +2560,17 @@ RED.nodes = (function() {
         junctions = {};
         junctionsByZ = {};
 
+        var workspaceIds = Object.keys(workspaces);
+        // Ensure all workspaces are unlocked so we don't get any edit-protection
+        // preventing removal
+        workspaceIds.forEach(function(id) {
+            workspaces[id].locked = false
+        });
+
         var subflowIds = Object.keys(subflows);
         subflowIds.forEach(function(id) {
             RED.subflow.removeSubflow(id)
         });
-        var workspaceIds = Object.keys(workspaces);
         workspaceIds.forEach(function(id) {
             RED.workspaces.remove(workspaces[id]);
         });