Forum Discussion
All excel file suddenly become read only
It seems that you have tried several methods to fix the issue. However, the issue still persists.
You can try the following methods:
- Check if the file is read-only: Right-click on the file and select Properties. If the Read-only attribute is checked, uncheck it and click OK.
- Remove read-only status: On the File menu, click Info. Click on Protect Workbook and select the Always Open Read-Only option.
- Open Excel in safe mode: Press and hold the Ctrl key while opening Excel. This will open Excel in safe mode. If the issue is resolved, then it is likely that an add-in is causing the issue.
- Check if the file is stored in a location that is not trusted: If the file is stored in a location that is not trusted, then Excel will open the file in read-only mode. Move the file to a trusted location.
I hope this helps :).
What if I want to keep the option of opening in read-only?
Previously I got a prompt every time I opened a file, whether or not to open-read only
Now it always opens read-only with an information ribbon when opened that I can change to available to modify I really hate this new "feature", I want the prompt back is that possible?
You can revert to the previous behavior where Excel prompts you whether to open a file as read-only or not. Here is how you can achieve that:
Method 1: Use the "General Options" Setting
- Open the File in Excel.
- Go to File > Save As.
- In the Save As dialog box, click on Tools (located next to the Save button).
- Select General Options from the drop-down menu.
- In the General Options dialog box, check the Read-only recommended box.
- Click OK.
- Save the file.
Now, whenever you open this file, Excel will prompt you with the option to open it as read-only.
Method 2: Use File Properties in Windows Explorer
- Right-click on the Excel file in Windows Explorer.
- Select Properties from the context menu.
- In the Properties dialog box, go to the General tab.
- Click on the Advanced button.
- Check the File is ready for archiving box (optional, for backup purposes).
- Check the Read-only box to make the file read-only at the file system level. This is not recommended if you want the prompt.
- Click OK to close the Advanced Attributes dialog box.
- Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.
Note that this will make the file read-only by default, but you won’t get the prompt. It is better to use the first method if you want the prompt.
Method 3: Change the Protected View Settings
If Excel is opening files in read-only mode because of Protected View settings, you can change this behavior.
- Open Excel.
- Go to File > Options.
- In the Excel Options dialog box, select Trust Center from the left-hand menu.
- Click on the Trust Center Settings button.
- In the Trust Center dialog box, select Protected View from the left-hand menu.
- Uncheck the boxes for Enable Protected View for files originating from the Internet, Enable Protected View for files located in potentially unsafe locations, and Enable Protected View for Outlook attachments.
- Click OK to close the Trust Center dialog box.
- Click OK to close the Excel Options dialog box.
This will prevent Excel from opening files in read-only mode by default due to Protected View, but it will not bring back the read-only prompt. For that, you should use Method 1. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
Hope this will help you.
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This will help all forum participants.
Thank you so much
Method 1 worked, the original file was already set-up this way but apparently had to do a save-as to go back to old behaviour...
Point #3 working for me. My Excel application had a broken add-in; after fixing by remove that add-in, it is back to normal.
Thanks for your advice.
NikolinoDE , I had the same issue. I think it is a glitch with the microsoft security process. In the end clicking first on "on my Mac" first and then selecting the onedrive location solved the problem.
