Remove read only from a file

1. From the read-only workbook, select Edit Anyway and then go to File > Info. 
   
   

2. Select Protect Workbook and choose Always Open Read-Only. 

3. Save and close the file. Read-only should be off the next time the file opens. 

To require a password, encrypt a workbook, or protect cells, see Protection and security in Excel.

Important: Only the author can turn off read-only. Also if you don't select Edit Anyway, or if someone else has the file open, you won't be able to remove read-only. 

1. From the workbook, select Edit Anyway > Info. 
   
   

2. Select Protect Workbook. 

3. Save and close the file. Read-only should be off the next time the file opens.

To require a password, encrypt a workbook, or protect cells, use the Excel desktop app and see Protection and security in Excel.

1. From the read-only workbook, select Edit Anyway on the yellow bar.
   
   

2. Go to Review and clear Always Open Read-Only. 

3. Save and close the file. Read-only should be off the next time the file opens. 

To require a password, encrypt a workbook, or protect cells, see Protection and security in Excel.

Important: Only the author can turn off read-only. Also if you don't select Edit Anyway, or if someone else has the file open, you won't be able to remove read-only.