Excel opens in „read-only“ mode — why, and how to fix it

You open a spreadsheet and at the top it says „Read-Only“ — you cannot enter anything. The cause may be a trifle in the file properties or a missing licence. The difference is quick to see if you know where to look.

First: is it the whole of Office, or only this file?

Open a new blank document in Excel.

• The new file cannot be edited either → the problem is with the licence. Go to the section „When the cause is the licence“.
• The new file works normally → the problem is that particular file. Carry on below.

When the cause is the file

1. The file is marked as „read-only“ in Windows

Close Excel. Find the file, right-click → Properties. At the bottom clear the „Read-only“ tick box → Apply.

2. The file was downloaded from the internet or received by email

Windows opens such files in Protected View. A yellow bar appears at the top with an „Enable Editing“ button. Press it — but only if you trust the source.

3. The file is open by someone else

If it is in a shared folder or in OneDrive and someone else has opened it, you get a read-only copy. Excel usually says who is holding it.

4. The author has applied protection

The workbook may be password-protected or saved with a „open read-only“ recommendation. Check under Review → Protect Sheet / Protect Workbook. Without the password there is no way around this.

5. You do not have rights over the folder

A file on a network drive or in a system folder. Copy it into „Documents“ and open it from there.

When the cause is the licence

If every file, including a new blank one, opens read-only — Office is in restricted mode. Three possibilities:

• An expired Microsoft 365 subscription. That is exactly what it does: it lets you read and print, but not edit and save. The options are described in the Office licence has expired.
• An expired trial version on a new computer — what to do.
• Office not activated — the red bar „Product not activated“. The reasons are here.

How to check in 20 seconds: File → Account. It states there which version is installed and what the activation status is.

If you have a key but it has not been entered

1. Open Excel → File → Account → Change product key.
2. Enter the 25-character code and press Activate.
3. Close Excel and open it again.

If it gives an error, work through the seven reasons a key does not work — most often the edition does not match or an old installation has been left behind.

If you do not have a licence

A perpetual licence is paid for once and stays yours: Office 2021 Pro Plus, Office 2019, Office 2016. The key arrives by email usually within 15 minutes during working hours, with an invoice and a 2-year statutory guarantee of conformity.

Not sure which of the six causes is yours? Send a photo of the screen to info@litsenzi.bg — we reply every day from 09:00 to 20:00.