What is Always Open Read-Only ?: To prevent accidental changes from someone, you can enable the “Always Open Read-Only” command. This process is only for informational purposes but, it doesn’t protect your file. The changes are depending upon the readers. When you enable it, your file will inform you that “Always Open Read Only”. when someone opens your document, excel worksheet, or PowerPoint slides. Follow the steps below to start learning.
Steps: Always Open Read Only in MS-Word
- Initially, open your file that contains data.
- Then go to the File menu option in Word.
- As long as you click on the file menu, automatically, you will be navigated to file menu options and the command info is in default selection if not select it.

- Then click on the protect document icon, which is navigated right to the info.
- Under protect document icon, select “Always Open Read-Only” by asking readers to opt into changes.
- Now save your file somewhere else in your computer.

- When someone opens the file, a pop-up message will open as “The author would like you to open this as read-only unless you need to make changes. Open as read-only” as shown in the picture below.

How to Enable “Always Open Read Only” Message in MS-Excel
- Initially, open your file that contains data.
- Then go to the File menu option in Excel.
- As long as you click on the file menu, automatically, you will be navigated to file menu options and the command info is in default selection if not select it.
- Then click on the protect document icon, which is navigated right to the info.
- Under protect document icon, select “Always Open Read-Only” by asking readers to opt into changes.
- Now save your file somewhere else in your computer.
- When someone opens the file, a pop-up message will open as “The author would like you to open this as read-only unless you need to make changes. Open as read-only”.
How to Enable “Always Open Read Only” Message in MS-Ppt
- Initially, open your file that contains data.
- Then go to the File menu option in Ppt.
- As long as you click on the file menu, automatically, you will be navigated to file menu options and the command info is in default selection if not select it.
- Then click on the protect document icon, which is navigated right to the info.
- Under protect document icon, select “Always Open Read-Only” by asking readers to opt into changes.
- Now save your file somewhere else in your computer.
- When someone opens the file, a pop-up message will open as “The author would like you to open this as read-only unless you need to make changes. Open as read-only”.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is always open read-only in MS Word?
To prevent accidental changes from someone, you can enable the “Always Open Read-Only” command. This process is only for informational purposes but, it doesn’t protect your file. The changes are depending upon the readers. When you enable it, your file will inform you that “Always Open Read Only”. when someone opens your document.
What is always open read-only in MS Excel?
To prevent accidental changes from someone, you can enable the “Always Open Read-Only” command. This process is only for informational purposes but, it doesn’t protect your file. The changes are depending upon the readers. When you enable it, your file will inform you that “Always Open Read Only”. when someone opens your Excel Worksheet.
What is always open read-only in MS PowerPoint?
To prevent accidental changes from someone, you can enable the “Always Open Read-Only” command. This process is only for informational purposes but, it doesn’t protect your file. The changes are depending upon the readers. When you enable it, your file will inform you that “Always Open Read Only”. when someone opens your PowerPoint Slides.