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FIX: This workbook was opened in read-only mode [Office 365]
4 min. read
Updated onJuly 23, 2024
updated onJuly 23, 2024
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Key notes
When you are trying to edit a workbook shared with you, you may encounter the This workbook was opened in read-only mode error. This prevents the user from editing the workbook in Excel Online and desktop app.
This error can occur due to several reasons, including the original document being maintained in the desktop app on the creator’s computer. It can also be triggered if your company is transitioning to SharePoint.
If you are also troubled by this error, here are a few troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the This workbook was opened in read-only mode error when editing Excel files.
How do I stop Excel from opening in read only mode?
1. Disable Read-only mode
If the original document has the read-only attribute enabled, it will prevent the user from editing the file and display the error message. Make sure to uncheck the option to see if that resolves the error.
2. Disable Protected View
Protected Viewis the read-only mode where most editing functions are disabled to protect the users from harmful files. However, this can cause an issue with other documents as well. Make sure to enable Protected View once you have edited the workbook.
3. Close the workbook on local computer
The latest Excel app comes with the co-authoring feature. However, if you are not running the latest version of Office 365, and if the file owner keeps the file open on their Excel desktop app, you may not be able to edit that file.
Make sure the file is not opened in Excel desktop, and then try to edit the file in Excel Online. Try editing other Office 365 files and see if you can edit with Office Online.
How do I change a SharePoint document from read only?
Once you have made the changes, open the SharePoint document, and check if the read-only message is resolved.
How do I turn off read only on OneDrive?
That’s it. This should resolve the OneDrive desktop app changing your documents attribute to the Read-only issue.
This workbook was opened in read-only mode message usually occurs if the file owner has set the document attribute to read-only.
This error can sometimes lead to other issues, such asMicrosoft Excel cannot paste the data, but we have a special guide that addresses it, so don’t miss it.
You can resolve the problem by disabling the read-only attribute. If not, try disabling Protected View temporarily to fix the error.
More about the topics:Excel,file sharing
Tashreef Shareef
Tashreef Shareef is a software developer turned tech writer. He discovered his interest in technology after reading a tech magazine accidentally. Now he writes about everything tech from Windows to iOS and streaming services to IoT at WindowsReport.
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