Forum Discussion

ChrisGray97's avatar
ChrisGray97
Copper Contributor
Dec 19, 2025

Open Files from SharePoint in "Protected" mode by default

Many users have complained about "auto save" as people open a file and start working on it immediately, not realising their changes are being saved.

I know that you can use protection in Office, if the author sets it.

  • This is a good option forcing people to "think" before editing

My Question 

  • Is it possible to set this as the default either 
    • for all documents in a specific library and/or
    • for specific users

1 Reply

  • virendrak's avatar
    virendrak
    Iron Contributor

    SharePoint and Office Online do not provide a built‑in way to force all documents in a library (or for specific users) to open in read‑only mode by default while still allowing editing when needed.

    Readers cannot edit the items; for them, the document will always open in read‑only mode by default. Otherwise (for editors, owners, and contributors), you need to set this property at each document level individually.

    I believe you want the document to always open in read‑only mode, regardless of the user’s permissions. I’ve already provided an answer to this question; please refer to that response.

     Sharepoint - Prevent a new version each time a document is read | Microsoft Community Hub

     

    If my post solved your issue or answered your query, please mark it as a Solution and give it a Like.

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