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Fix "Editing This File Type Is Not Allowed" Error in Office
Question details
The user is attempting to edit an older file but is blocked by a policy setting preventing modification.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening and attempting to edit a legacy file, a downloaded document, or an email attachment in Microsoft Office.
- Observed behavior
- The application prevents editing and displays the error message: "Editing this file type is not allowed due to your policy settings."
Verify the file extension of the document you are trying to open, and check if your computer is managed by an IT administrator, as you may need administrative privileges to modify global Office policy settings.
Modify Trust Center File Block Settings
Adjust your Office security settings to permit the opening and editing of legacy or specific file types.
Microsoft Office blocks certain older file types by default to protect your system from vulnerabilities. You can manually remove these restrictions in the Trust Center if you trust the file source.
Open the Office application (such as Word or Excel). Click on "File" in the top left corner, select "Options" at the bottom, and then click on "Trust Center". Click the "Trust Center Settings" button.
In the left-hand pane of the Trust Center window, select "File Block Settings".
Locate your specific file type in the list. To allow editing, uncheck the "Open" and "Save" boxes next to that file type. Alternatively, select the option "Open selected file types in Protected View and allow editing" at the bottom of the window.
Click "OK" to save your changes, then restart the Office application and try opening the file again.
Unblock the File via Windows Properties
Quickly bypass security blocks for a single file downloaded from the internet or received via email without changing global settings.
Disable Protected View for Internet Files
Turn off Protected View if Office is overly aggressive in restricting files originating from the internet or Outlook.
Open and Edit Older Files Easily with WPS Office
If Microsoft Office policy settings are persistently blocking you from editing legacy files, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible environment without restrictive legacy file blocks, allowing you to access and modify older documents seamlessly.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the quick installation prompts.
- 2. Open the Blocked File: Right-click the older or blocked document, select "Open with", and choose WPS Office from the application list.
- 3. Edit and Save: Edit your document freely without policy errors, and easily save it into a modern format like .docx or .xlsx for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Office block the editing of older file types?
Microsoft Office blocks legacy file types (such as Word 95 or Excel 4.0 files) by default because these older formats lack modern security features. This makes them highly vulnerable to malicious macros and targeted exploits.
Do I need administrator privileges to change File Block settings?
If you are using a personal computer, you can usually change these settings with a standard admin account. However, if your computer is managed by a workplace IT department, these policies are likely enforced by Group Policy, requiring you to contact an administrator to make changes.
How can I find out exactly which file type is being blocked?
You can identify the file type by checking the file extension (e.g., .doc, .rtf) in Windows File Explorer. If extensions are hidden, right-click the file, select "Properties", and look at the "Type of file" description. You can then cross-reference this with the list in the Office Trust Center's File Block Settings.
