Document Editing Problems

How to Fix Word Changing from Reviewing to Viewing Mode Automatically

Nimra Malik Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent Microsoft Word from automatically switching out of editing or reviewing mode into a restricted viewing mode.

How to Stop Word Changing from Reviewing Mode to Viewing Mode Automatically

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing a document, working with downloaded attachments, or using the Read Aloud feature in Microsoft Word.
Observed behavior: The document unexpectedly forces itself into Viewing mode after a few changes, locking the user out of making further edits.

Before you start

Before proceeding, save a copy of your document to your local Desktop to rule out network folder restrictions or email attachment protections.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Read-Only and Protection Settings

Check the file properties in Windows and the internal protection settings within Word to ensure the document is not forcing read-only mode.

Often, Word documents switch to Viewing mode because the file itself is marked as read-only by the operating system, or because the author enabled 'Always Open Read-Only' in Word's settings.

Clear Windows Read-only Attribute

Right-click the document file in File Explorer, select 'Properties', uncheck the 'Read-only' box at the bottom of the General tab, and click 'OK'.

Open Document in Word

Open the document in Microsoft Word and navigate to the 'File' tab in the top-left corner.

Disable Always Open Read-Only

Click on 'Info', select 'Protect Document', and if 'Always Open Read-Only' is highlighted, click it once to disable the feature.

Disable Read-Only and Protection Settings

Settings Applied: Once these settings are disabled, the document should remain in Editing or Reviewing mode permanently.

Solution 2

Save Downloaded Attachments as a Local Copy

Use this method if the issue occurs when opening files directly from Outlook, web browsers, or compressed folders.

Solution 3

Avoid Specific Features and Repair Office

If the issue happens after making a few changes or using specific tools like Read Aloud, an Office update bug might be the cause.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Enjoy Stable Document Editing with WPS Office

If Microsoft Word continues to unpredictably force your documents into Viewing mode due to update bugs or read-only glitches, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a stable, lightweight editing experience without unexpected mode switching.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Open Your Documents: Right-click any Word file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to start editing seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsNo unexpected switching to viewing mode during document editsLightweight and runs smoothly without extensive system resourcesFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word open my email attachments in Viewing mode?

Word opens files originating from the internet or emails in Protected View to secure your computer from potential malware. You must explicitly click 'Enable Editing' and save a local copy to switch permanently to Editing mode.

Can the Read Aloud feature cause Word to freeze in Viewing mode?

Yes, some users have reported that certain Microsoft Office updates introduced a bug where activating the Read Aloud feature forces the document into a restricted Viewing mode. Avoiding the feature or updating Office usually resolves this.

How do I turn off Protected View in Word permanently?

To turn off Protected View, open Word and go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Protected View. Uncheck the boxes for files originating from the internet or Outlook attachments, though this reduces your computer's security.

Document & File Issues