Make an Excel Spreadsheet read only, with a password to edit.

Modified on Fri, 22 Mar, 2019 at 2:02 PM

 This example shows you how to make your workbook read-only. Users can still save changes by creating a new copy of the workbook. For a better protection, protect the sheet with a password.

1. Open a workbook.

2. On the File tab, click Save As.

3. Click Browse.

Click Browse


4. Click on the Tools button and click General Options.

Tools, General Options

5. In the Password to modify box, enter a password and click OK.

Enter a Password

Note: If you only want to recommend users to open the Excel file as read-only, without protecting it, don't enter a password and check Read-only recommended.

6. Reenter the password and click on OK.

Reenter the Password

Note: this feature does not encrypt your Excel file.

7. Enter a file name and click Save.

Click Save

Your workbook is read-only now.


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