Shamima Sultana
An Excel file can be in Read Only mode for two reasons one is if any author has purposely done it for security issues otherwise anyone downloaded the file from the internet. In this article, I’m going to explain how to remove Read Only from Excel.
To explain the ways, I’m going to use a file containing a sheet where the file properties are set to Read Only.
How to Remove Read Only from Excel: 7 Suitable Ways
1. Remove Read Only from Marked As Final in Excel
In case you want to edit a sheet it shows a notification that says MARKED AS FINAL.
- To edit the sheet you will need to click on Edit Anyway.
Hence, it will remove the Read Only from MARKED AS FINAL.
2. Remove Read Only Where Read Only is Recommended
Whenever any file is set to Read Only mode and appears READ-ONLY notification while opening them then you can use two different ways to remove the Read Only from the file or workbook.
2.1. Click on Edit Anyway
- To remove the Read Only and to make the sheet editable you will just need to click on Edit Anyway.
Therefore, it’ll remove the READ ONLY restrictions from the file or workbook.
2.2. Remove Read Only from Excel Using Save As
Another way to remove the Read Only is to remove the READ-ONLY from the settings.
Let me demonstrate to you the procedure,
- Click on File >> select Save As
- Select the place where you want to save your file.
- Now, click on Tools >> select General Options.
A dialog box of General Options will pop up.
- From there Uncheck the Read-only recommended >> Then, click OK.
- Now, click on Save.
Hence, it will remove the READ-ONLY restrictions and you will get the editable version of the file or workbook.
Read More: [Fixed!] Excel Files Open as Read Only from Network
3. Remove Read Only from Excel Password Protected File
If you have any file that is password protected and READ-ONLY recommended then you will need to have the password then you can remove the READ-ONLY by following the procedure explained in Section 2.
Let’s assume you have the password, the password I used to protect the sheet is 1234.
Whenever you’ll try to open a password-protected file it will show you the dialog box given below.
- Â Enter the password (1234 for my file) >> Click OK.
- Now, you will get a notification regarding Read Only. Click on Yes.
- To remove the Read Only and to make the sheet editable you will just need to click on Edit Anyway.
Hence, it will remove the READ-ONLY restrictions.
Read More: How to Make Excel Workbook Read Only with Password
4. Remove Read Only from Excel Protected Workbook
If any workbook is protected then you can remove the Read Only from the workbook.
Here, I can’t change the workbook name as it is password protected. Whenever you’ll try to change the workbook name it will show you a warning message.
- Open the Review tab >> from Protect  >> select Protect Workbook.
A dialog box of Unprotect Workbook will appear.
- Enter the password: 1234
- Then, click OK.
Hence, it will unprotect the workbook and you can change the workbook name. I named the workbook Overview.
Read More: [Fixed!] This Excel Workbook Was Opened in Read-Only Mode
5. Remove Read Only from Excel Protected Worksheet
A sheet can be password protected if you know the password then you can remove the Read Only from a password protected sheet.
Whenever from a password protected sheet you want to change any data then it will show you a warning message.
- Open the Review tab >> from Protect  >> select Unprotect Sheet.
A dialog box of Unprotect Sheet will appear.
- Enter the password: 1234
Then, click OK.
Hence, it will unprotect the sheet and you can change anything within the sheet. I just deleted the value of the E7 cell.
6. Remove Read Only from Protected View/Security Warning
It is obvious that we import or download files from the internet based on our needs. But whenever we download any file from the internet it comes either in PROTECTED VIEW or a SECURITY WARNING pops up.
To remove the Read Only from this type of file,
- Click Enable Content if you are sure enough that the file and the source are trusted.
Hence, it will remove the READ ONLY restrictions.
7. Remove Read Only If File Properties is Set to Read Only
It is possible that file Properties are set to Read Only to remove Read Only from these types of files you can follow two ways.
7.1. Click on Edit Workbook
- To remove the READ-ONLY you will need to click on Edit Workbook.
- Now, a warning message will pop up >> Click OK.
Hence, it will remove the READ-ONLY restrictions.
7.2. Remove Read Only from Properties
You can remove the Read Only from the Properties before opening the file.
- To remove the Read Only from Properties first go to the place where you have kept your file.
- Then, right click on the mouse and select Properties from the context menu.
A dialog box of Properties will pop up.
- Uncheck the Read-only from Attributes >> Click OK.
As a result, it won’t show any Read Only restrictions when you open the file.
Things to Remember
🔺 If you have any sheet, workbook, or file that is password protected then you will need the password.
🔺 Sometimes, the Antivirus causes a read-only issue, then you may need to change the Antivirus settings from Antivirus Properties that you are using.
Practice Section
Download the practice workbook to practice these explained ways.
Download Practice Workbook
To open the downloaded file use the password;1234
Conclusion
In this article, I have shown 7 ways to remove Read Only from Excel. These ways will help you to remove Read Only easily. Feel free to comment down below for any types of queries and suggestions.
