

On your PC, open Settings and navigate to OneDrive.
#Word for mac disable read mode as default view free#
To know the amount of free space on OneDrive, follow these steps: If Excel files are saved on OneDrive with low or no storage space, you may encounter such issues with your files. Then open the Excel workbook and check if the problem of 'Excel cannot open read-only documents' is resolved. In such a scenario, activate Microsoft Office or renew the Office subscription. If MS Office is in a deactivated state or its subscription has expired, the Office documents, including the Excel, could be in 'read-only reduced functionality mode.' You may also disable the Protected View setting via File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings…> Protected View. However, you can click File > Info and then click ' Edit Anyway' to access and edit file content. This security feature allows you to read or view Excel files and reduces the risks to the computer system or PC.

It may also open an Excel workbook in Protected Mode when it detects a problem with the file. To safeguard the system, MS Excel opens such files in Protected View. The file may potentially contain viruses, worms, or other types of malware that could damage the system or the server. The error may appear when you try to open an Excel file received as email attachments or downloaded from unsafe source. This will allow you to edit, modify, and save the Excel workbook without encountering the “Excel cannot access 'xxx.xls.' The Document may be a read-only or encrypted” error message. In such cases, try adjusting the antivirus settings to open the Excel files normally. Now try to open the Excel document and check if the problem is fixed.Ī few antivirus programs block Excel files and other Office documents by opening those in 'read-only' mode.
