Forum Discussion
Protecting a workbook
What was the “Windows” option?
In older versions of Excel (like Excel 2010 and earlier), the “Windows” checkbox allowed you to lock the workbook window layout — preventing users from moving, resizing, or closing workbook windows.
🛠 Why is it gone now?
Microsoft removed the “Windows” protection option because:
- Excel now uses a Single Document Interface (SDI), where each workbook opens in its own separate window.
- This makes the “Windows” protection obsolete, since each window is independent and not part of a shared interface like in the old Multiple Document Interface (MDI).
🔍 So when could you use the “Windows” option?
You could only use it in older versions of Excel (2010 or earlier), where multiple workbooks or windows could be opened within the same Excel window. In those versions, protecting the “Windows” layout made sense.
What was the “Windows” option?
In older versions of Excel (like Excel 2010 and earlier), the “Windows” checkbox allowed you to lock the workbook window layout — preventing users from moving, resizing, or closing workbook windows.
🛠 Why is it gone now?
Microsoft removed the “Windows” protection option because:
- Excel now uses a Single Document Interface (SDI), where each workbook opens in its own separate window.
- This makes the “Windows” protection obsolete, since each window is independent and not part of a shared interface like in the old Multiple Document Interface (MDI).
🔍 So when could you use the “Windows” option?
You could only use it in older versions of Excel (2010 or earlier), where multiple workbooks or windows could be opened within the same Excel window. In those versions, protecting the “Windows” layout made sense.
It's weird... you can still see this option in Microsoft 365, though it's grey so not for use. Thanks for the clarification!