Microsoft Discussion, by default, opens the documents downloaded from the internet in Read-Only mode for added security reasons. Other times, it can exist due to the document owner adding edit restrictions to the document to be used in read-only mode to prevent modifications.

In any instance, yous can change the edit restrictions in Microsoft Word to stop the documents from opening in read-only mode. Here nosotros show you lot how to disable certificate protection, change file attributes and turn off the built-in condom features to remove the read-just condition on MS Word documents.

1. Disable Read-Only Mode in File Properties

tun off read only file attribute

In Windows, you tin mark files every bit read-but to discourage other users from modifying the original content of the file. If the read-simply file attribute is turned on, you lot can open up and read the file but cannot delete, overwrite or edit the original content.

If your document opens in read-only fashion, check the file properties and turn off the read-but style file attribute to allow modifications in MS Word.

  1. Right-click on the file you want to change file attributes for and select Properties.
  2. In the Properties window, open the General tab.
  3. In the Attributes section, uncheck the Read-simply choice.
  4. Click Utilise and OK to save the changes.
  5. Now the document volition not open up in read-simply mode in MS Word.

2. Turn Off Edit Restrictions for Microsoft Word Documents

Document owners can employ the built-in Restrict Editing feature in Microsoft Give-and-take to prevent unauthorized users from making unintended modifications. The Restrict Editing mode uses password or user authentication as the file protection method.

So, if in that location is a file restriction, yous will need to have access to the password or be an authenticated possessor to remove the editing restrictions.

To remove Editing Restrictions for a Word document:

  1. Open up the read-only document in MS Word.
  2. Next, open the Review at the top.
    restrict editing MS Word
  3. In the Protect section, click on Restrict Editing.
    stop protection ms word
  4. In the correct pane, click the Stop Protection push button.
    enter password word file
  5. If the document is countersign protected, information technology will ask yous to enter the password. Punch in the countersign and click OK.

That should remove all the editing restrictions and allow you to modify the Discussion certificate.

3. Turn Off Protected View for Word

Protected View is part of Microsoft's Trust Middle, where you can manage the security and privacy settings for the Microsoft Function programs. When enabled, Protected View opens documents in read-only mode and disables near editing functions.

MS Word, by default, uses Protected View to protect the user from malicious internet files disguised as genuine Word documents. However, if you trust the read-merely document to be 18-carat, you lot tin can disable Protected View temporarily in MS Word to edit your document.

To disable Protected View in MS Word:

  1. Open the MS Word program.
  2. Click on File and then select Options.
  3. Information technology will open up the Word Options window. In the left pane, open the Trust Center tab.
    trusted center settings
  4. Next, click on Trust Center Settings under the Microsoft Give-and-take Trust Center section.
  5. In the left pane, click on the Protected View tab.
    disable protected view
  6. In the right pane, uncheck the following options: Enable Protected View for files originating from the internet, followed past Enable Protected View for files located in potentially dangerous locations, and and then Enable Protected View for Outlook attachments
  7. Click OK to save the changes and open the Word certificate. It volition now open up without whatever restrictions.

4. Plough Off "Open Electronic mail Attachments in Reading View"

disable open email other uneditable attachments reading view 1

You tin configure MS Word's startup options to open e-mail attachments and other uneditable files in reading view. This is a security characteristic to help preclude malicious e-mail attachments and other documents that originated from the internet from infecting your computer.

Yet, it can also prevent y'all from editing legitimate documents past opening them in read-but mode. Try to disable this option to come across if that helps you resolve the problem.

  1. Launch the MS Word program on your PC.
  2. Click on File and select Options.
  3. In the General tab, curlicue down to Start upwards options.
  4. Next, uncheck the Open e-mail attachments and other uneditable files in the reading view option.
  5. Click OK to save the changes.
  6. If you open an attachment file in MS Word, it should now open in default style.

5. Disable the Preview Pane in File Explorer

When enabled, the Preview pane shows the preview of your selected files in File Explorer. However, to do so, File Explorer may cease up locking your file resulting in read-but style in MS Give-and-take.

Try turning off the Preview pane in File Explorer to fix the trouble.

Disable Preview pane in Windows eleven:

  1. Press Win + Due east to open File Explorer.
    file explorer view
  2. In File Explorer, click the View drop-down.
    turn off view pane file explorer
  3. And then, go to Evidence and unselect Preview pane.

Disable Preview pane in Windows ten:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Next, open the View tab at the top of your screen.
  3. Click on the Preview pane to disable the choice.

half-dozen. Check If Your Antivirus Is Blocking Documents

Similar to MS Give-and-take, third-party antivirus includes built-in safety features to stop users from opening potentially dangerous files downloaded from the Internet.

Nevertheless, your antivirus can besides block genuine files and prevent them from opening default style in MS Word. If you have a third-party antivirus, check if it is causing Give-and-take files to open in read-but fashion.

You can disable your antivirus temporarily to determine if it is causing the upshot. In one case disabled, open the Discussion file and check if information technology opens in default fashion with editing privileges.

If then, check your antivirus program for application or procedure exclusion settings, including the Ransomware shield setting. If the issue persists, consider switching to less intrusive antivirus software.

7. Online Repair Your Microsoft Function App

MS Function features a built-in repair pick to ready problems that may be preventing the program from working correctly. If you determine the problem to have occurred due to a software glitch, run the repair tool to set up any bug with the app.

  1. Printing Win + R to open Run.
  2. Type control and click OK to open Control Console.
  3. In Control Panel, go to Programs > Programs and Features.
    repair microsoft office control panel
  4. Select the Microsoft Role app from the list and click Change. Click Yes when prompted by User Business relationship Control.
    Microsoft office online repair
  5. Select Online Repair and click the Repair push. This requires an active Net connectedness to download necessary Part files and fix any bug.
  6. Click Repair once more to confirm the action. The repair process may take some time, and then wait until complete.
  7. Once washed, restart your PC and check for any improvements.

Fix Microsoft Word Opening Documents in Read-Only Mode

Microsoft Office is among the most targeted platform past the threat actors to bear out attacks through malware. To mitigate these attacks and protect user information, Microsoft Function applications utilise several safety features to forbid users from opening malicious files.

Withal, these rubber features can also block genuine files and open them in read-only way. If you lot trust the file source, you can disable these safe features in MS Give-and-take settings and open the documents in default mode.

ten Advanced Microsoft Word Features That'll Brand Your Life Easier

Read Next

About The Author