A file is locked or opens read-only
Why you cannot edit a file, and what to do.
- Protected View. If a yellow bar at the top says Protected View, the file came from email or the internet. Select Enable Editing only if you trust the source.
- Someone else has it open. The message shows who. Ask them to close it, or wait. Files in OneDrive and SharePoint can often be edited by several people at once.
- You have it open somewhere else. Close other windows or programs that use the file.
- You only have permission to view. Ask the owner to give you edit access, or save a copy with Save As.
Good to know
If the message says a file is locked by someone who is not there, tell us.