If you have a file that is sensitive to changes, you can force Microsoft Excel 2019, 2016, or 365 to prompt the user to open as Read Only whenever they attempt to open the file. Here’s how to enable this setting.
- In Excel, select “File” and click Save As.
- Excel 2019 users, select “Browse“. Excel 2016 users select “More options…“.
- Choose “Tools” > “General Options” at the bottom of the window.
- Select the check-box for “Read-only recommended“, then select “OK“.
- Select “Save“.
- If prompted, choose “Yes” to update the file with the read-only setting.
That’s it! Anybody who opens the file in Excel will now be prompted to choose “Open as Read-Only“.
Bill says
Now the more savy users are going in and changing the budget so that their group gets more money. Because MS thinks read only is bad.
jimmuh says
This is how Excel has been for the every version for the last 20 years – I would like to know how to choose directly to open a file as “read only” as was the standard in earlier versions of excel. Why was this removed? Doesnt seem like an upgrade or improvement.
Kamal Mohan says
Hi,
can you help me in disabling the editing option in automatically generated excel file created by a program as an output.
Jennifer Woods says
Great explanation; The prompt box states that the author would like you to open as ready only, but it still allows the ‘reader’ to “opt-in” and edit.
Markus says
Thank you for this straightforward explanation.
John C. says
Works the same for Excel 2013
Issac says
If I want to remove the pop up message how do I go about removing it,
Tom Bates says
Nice. Piece of cake once you know where to find it. :-)
Jon says
THANK YOU for this simple explanation! It’s amazing how difficult it was to find this simple answer anywhere else. VERY helpful, thanks again!