Permission & Access Issues

How to Fix Excel Requesting Permission from the Original File Creator

John Wilson Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to access an Excel file received via email or file share because the application prompts for permission from the original creator, despite the user having full control or being listed as the owner.

How to Fix Excel Requesting Permission from the Original File Creator

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening an Excel file received as an email attachment or via a shared cloud link.
Observed behavior: Excel blocks file access and requests permission from the original creator due to file protection features, identity metadata conflicts, or cloud sharing restrictions.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account that was granted access to the file, and check that your internet connection is stable so Excel can verify your permissions online.

Solution 1Recommended

Unblock the File from Properties

Use this solution if you received the Excel file as a direct email attachment and Windows has blocked it for security reasons.

When files are downloaded from the internet or received as email attachments, Windows automatically marks them as potentially unsafe. This can trigger permission errors or block access entirely even if you own the file.

Save the attachment locally

Download the Excel file from your email client and save it to a local folder, such as your Desktop or Documents folder.

Open File Properties

Right-click the downloaded Excel file and select 'Properties' from the context menu.

Unblock the file

In the General tab, look at the bottom for a Security section. If you see a checkbox labeled 'Unblock', check it, then click 'Apply' and 'OK'.

Open the file

Double-click the Excel file to open it. The permission prompt from the original creator should no longer appear.

Security Check: Only unblock files from senders you know and trust to prevent malicious macros from running.

Solution 2

Verify Links in a Private Browser Window

Use this method if the file was shared via a OneDrive or SharePoint link to rule out browser cache or multiple-account conflicts.

Solution 3

Ask the Creator to Share via Cloud Storage

Resolve underlying metadata issues by having the original author share the file through Microsoft's official collaboration platforms rather than as an attachment.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Open and Edit Excel Files Seamlessly with WPS Office

Tired of complicated account permissions, metadata conflicts, and file blocks? WPS Office offers a streamlined, lightweight alternative that easily opens local spreadsheets without restrictive account-based permission walls.

1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch the application and select 'Spreadsheets' from the main dashboard.
3. Open your file: Drag and drop the problematic Excel file directly into the workspace to open it instantly without permission prompts.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Bypass restrictive account-tied cloud errors when opening local files.Lightweight software that loads large spreadsheets instantly.Familiar user interface requiring zero learning curve to start working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an encrypted Excel file without the creator's permission?

No. If the file is protected with Information Rights Management (IRM) or a manual encryption password by the creator, you must obtain the correct account permissions or the password to decrypt and view the contents.

Why does Excel say I don't have permission to save a file?

This usually happens if you lack write access to the destination folder, or if an antivirus program is blocking Excel's saving process. Try using 'Save As' and choose a different location, such as your local Desktop.

How do I remove the creator's personal information from an Excel file?

If you have editing rights, open the file, go to File > Info > Check for Issues, and select 'Inspect Document'. Run the inspector, and click 'Remove All' next to 'Document Properties and Personal Information'.

Document & File Issues