Forum Discussion
How to protect workbook and still open hyperlinks
Hello, I have a workbook that I want to make available to the entire company that shows the status of tasks for a certain process. I want everyone to be able to see the information but not make any ...
Try this:
- Unlock the hyperlink cells first
- Select the cells that contain hyperlinks.
- Right‑click → Format Cells → Protection tab.
- Uncheck Locked.
- This ensures that when you protect the sheet, those cells remain interactive.
- Protect the worksheet with specific permissions
- Go to Review → Protect Sheet.
- Enter a password if desired.
- In the protection dialog, check Select unlocked cells (and optionally Select locked cells).
- Leave all other options unchecked.
- This prevents editing but still allows clicking hyperlinks.
- Do not use “Restrict Access” (IRM)
- Information Rights Management (IRM) restrictions can block external actions like opening hyperlinks.
- Instead, rely on worksheet protection or read‑only sharing.