If you are unable to edit the Excel file online or in a read-only mode, then in this guide we will show you potential fixes to rectify this issue. This spreadsheet software from Microsoft does more than just dealing with data. For example, you could carry out various calculations, insert graphical tools such as pie charts, pivot tables, Macros, among others. Likewise, it also supports collaborative features. As a result, you and your co-workers can carry out the editing on the go. However, to make use of this feature, you will have to switch over to the Excel web version.
For the unawares, this online version of the software holds near about all the functionalities that the standalone app has to offer. Plus the added advantages that you don’t need to download the additional software app makes it the go-to choice for many. Then as mentioned before, its live collaborative features stand out as its USP. However, not everyone is able to make full use of this feature as they are unable to edit the Excel file online or in a read-only mode. If you are also facing this issue, then this guide shall come in andy. Follow along for the instructions.
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How to Fix Can’t Edit in Excel Online / Read-Only mode
Quite a few users have already voiced their concerns regarding this issue across the Microsoft Support Forums. With that said, given below are few potential fixes for the same. Since there isn’t any universal fix as such, you should try out all the methods given below until you are able to achieve success.
Fix 1:Re-Verify the File Permissions
While it is mostly along the obvious lines, yet it has been seen as the most frequent reason for this issue. Many times the owner of this file forgets to enable the editing functionality of the shared file. As a result, you are left with no choice apart from viewing its contents. So to gain back the editing rights for your file, you might have to grab the file owner’s attention towards the below steps:
- The file owner should go to the File section from the top menu bar.
- Then head over to the Share option and select the Share with people option.
- Now make sure that the permission is set to Anyone with the link can edit.
- If that is not the case, then click on this permission and check-mark the Allow Editing option.
Once done, click Apply to save the changes. Now when the owner shares the file with you, see if it fixes the issue of not being able to edit the Excel file online or in a read-only mode.
Fix 2: Check OneDrive Storage
Your online Excel file is stored in your OneDrive. So if you aren’t having enough storage space on your OneDrive, then you wouldn’t be able to make any modifications to files stored there. Hence make sure that you have enough space left. For that, log in to your OneDrive account and check the available space on the bottom left.
If it is on the lower side, then you should consider expanding it or use a different account that has some space left. Then ask the file owner to re-send the file on this new ID and see if you are able to edit the Excel file online or in a read-only mode.
Fix 3: Close the File from Other Sources
If the file has been created via the Excel standalone app, and it is currently active on the file’s owner PC, then you might face an issue or two while trying to edit that file. So ask the file owner to save the work and then close the file from its end. Now try accessing the Excel file and see if you are able to edit it online or in a read-only mode.
Fix 4: Disable Windows Firewall
In some instances, the Windows Firewall might be overprotective and could block your browser from accessing this file. However, since you are sure that the file hasn’t come from a potentially unsafe source, you could disable the Firewall for the time being and then access your Excel file. Here’s how:
- Search for Windows Defender Firewall from the Start menu.
- Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall On or Off from the left menu bar.
- Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall under both the Public and Private network sections.
- Once that is done, open the browser and head over to the Excel online file. You should have no issues in editing it now.
With this, we conclude the guide on how to edit the Excel file online or in a read-only mode. We have shared four different methods for the same. Do let us know in the comments which one worked out for you. Rounding off, here are some iPhone Tips and Tricks, PC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Tricks that you should check out as well.