Permission & Access Issues

Fix OneDrive Word and Excel Files Becoming Read-Only After BIOS Update

Huda Qurayshi Oct 12, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to fix an issue where Word and Excel documents stored in OneDrive or locally open as read-only after a failed BIOS update.

How to Fix OneDrive Files Becoming Read-Only After a BIOS Update

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and Office
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Accessing and editing documents synced via OneDrive after a system firmware update failure.
Observed behavior: Files are locked in read-only mode, preventing the user from saving modifications directly to the original documents.

Before you start

Ensure your Windows 11 system is fully booted into your primary user profile and that you have a stable internet connection before troubleshooting OneDrive sync issues.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the OneDrive Application

Resetting OneDrive clears the application cache and forces a full sync, which often resolves incorrect read-only permission states without deleting your cloud data.

A failed BIOS update can cause temporary system state inconsistencies that disrupt OneDrive's background syncing process, resulting in files defaulting to a read-only state to prevent data loss.

Open the Run dialog

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run window.

Execute the reset command

Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset and press Enter.

Restart OneDrive

Wait a few minutes for the OneDrive cloud icon to disappear and reappear in your system tray. If it does not reappear, open the Start menu, search for OneDrive, and launch it manually.

Data Safety: Resetting OneDrive will not delete your locally saved or cloud-stored files. It only refreshes the connection and sync settings.

Solution 2

Manually Check File and Folder Permissions

Verify that the Windows file system properties have not been altered to flag your Office documents as read-only.

Solution 3

Verify Microsoft Office Activation Status

Sometimes a system failure or update can cause Office to temporarily lose its activation token, which automatically locks all documents in read-only mode.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Word and Excel Files Freely with WPS Office

If Microsoft Office subscription issues or OneDrive sync glitches keep locking your files in read-only mode, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for opening, editing, and saving your documents without frustrating permission errors.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the setup on your Windows 11 PC.
3. Open your files: Right-click any locked Word or Excel file, choose 'Open with', and select WPS Office to easily edit and save your work.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) and Excel (.xlsx) formatsLightweight application that runs quickly and smoothly on Windows 11Built-in cloud sync capabilities to safely store and manage your documentsFree to download and use with a familiar, intuitive user interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a BIOS update directly change my file permissions?

No, a BIOS update strictly updates your motherboard's firmware and does not interact with file-level permissions. However, a failed update might cause temporary system inconsistencies, incorrect profile logins, or TPM/encryption issues that manifest as locked or read-only files in Windows.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my locally saved files?

No, resetting the OneDrive application only clears the sync cache and forces the app to reconnect and resynchronize your files. It does not delete any cloud data or local files stored on your hard drive.

Why are my Excel files saying they are locked for editing by another user?

Files can appear locked if they are currently open on another device, if OneDrive is stuck in the middle of syncing a change, or if your Office activation has expired. Closing the file on all devices and restarting OneDrive usually resolves this.

Document & File Issues