
You can edit the file by clicking the Enable Editing button.

Editing will be disabled, and you will not be able the save the file to a new location. Protected View is a read-only mode for files that might contain malicious content like viruses. Please continue reading our visual, step-by-step guide on all the ways to remove Protected View from an Excel file.

Once you’re confident that the file will not damage your computer, you can enable editing in one of two ways.ġ. You can open a file in Protected View by selecting File > Open > Open in Protected View. An unsafe location can be the Temporary Internet Files folder, for example.įiles that you choose to open in Protected View will also show a message. If you’re confident that the file is safe to edit, click Enable Editing in the message bar that appears.įiles that are sent as Outlook attachments are also usually opened in Protected View.įiles that are opened from an unsafe location will also display a Protected View message. Why Does My File Open in Protected View?įiles that are downloaded from the Internet are usually opened in Protected View, because these files can contain malware or viruses.

Protected View is a read-only view where most editing functions are disabled until the user enables editing. This tutorial will demonstrate how to turn off Protected View and Enable Editing in Excel.įiles opened from potentially unsafe locations are opened in Protected View.
