'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Stop Excel from Asking to Open a File as Read-Only
Question details
The user wants to disable the persistent prompt that asks to open an Excel workbook as read-only, which continues to appear even after copying the file and enabling editing.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening a workbook that continuously requests read-only access.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays a recurring message stating that the author would like the file to be opened as read-only, interrupting the normal file opening process.
Ensure that the folder you are about to add to your trusted locations only contains files from reliable and safe sources to protect your computer from potential macro viruses and malware.
Add the File's Folder to Excel's Trusted Locations
By adding the folder where your workbook is saved to Trusted Locations, Excel will recognize the directory as safe and bypass the read-only recommendation prompt.
Microsoft Excel's Trust Center is designed to protect you from malicious files. If a file prompts for read-only access repeatedly, designating its folder as a Trusted Location tells Excel that you verify the safety of all contents within that specific folder.
Launch Microsoft Excel. Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and then select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Excel Options dialog box, click on 'Trust Center' in the left pane, then click the 'Trust Center Settings...' button on the right side.
Navigate to 'Trusted Locations' in the left menu. Click on the 'Add new location...' button at the bottom of the window.
Click 'Browse...' to locate the folder containing your Excel file. If your files are organized within subdirectories, check the box that says 'Subfolders of this location are also trusted', then click 'OK' on all dialog boxes to save your changes.
Disable the 'Read-only recommended' Save Option
If you have editing rights, you can permanently remove the read-only recommendation by changing the General Options in the Save As dialog.
Edit Your Spreadsheets Seamlessly with WPS Office
Tired of complicated Trust Center settings and persistent read-only prompts in Microsoft Excel? Try WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and completely free alternative that opens your workbooks smoothly and securely.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and run the quick installation.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click on 'Open', and select your existing Excel (.xlsx) file.
- 3. Edit Without Interruptions: Make your changes instantly without dealing with legacy read-only prompts or compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel keep asking to open my file as read-only?
This usually happens because the file's author checked the 'Read-only recommended' box when saving the workbook, or the file is stored in a location that Excel's Trust Center does not recognize as completely safe.
Does checking 'Read-only recommended' prevent others from editing the file?
No, it only acts as a suggestion to open it as read-only. Users can still choose to edit the file by clicking 'No' when the prompt appears, unless the file is additionally protected with a modification password.
Can I remove the read-only prompt without changing Trust Center settings?
Yes, provided you have editing rights. You can open the file, navigate to File > Save As, click Tools > General Options, and uncheck the 'Read-only recommended' box before saving.
