
An Excel file opens in Protected View if the file is from an unsafe location. Protected View is a feature in Microsoft Excel that opens a file in read-only mode while disabling the editing functions. How to Fix the Excel File Couldn’t Open in Protected View Error?.Click “Open” and then continue using “Protected View. However, if you are uncertain about your source of files, it is advisable always to open them in protected view. You can use the methods mentioned earlier to disable the protected view. You will realize that excel automatically removes the protected view. You can take Excel off protected view by clicking the edit icon in the info settings. This process is similar to the one mentioned above, only that you will use the file menu. Now the protected view mode is permanently removed, you can proceed to edit your document. On the menu that appears, disable protected view on the checkbox showing “Enable Protected View For Files Originating From The Internet.” You can also disable checkmarks in the boxes showing “Enable Protected View For Files Located in Potentially Unsafe Locations” and “Enable Protected View For Outlook Attachments.” Proceed to “Trust Center Settings” > “Protected View.”Ĥ. If you are sure about your source of files, then permanently disabling the protected view is no problem. How to take excel off Protected View permanently Click “Browse” to search the folder you want to add A dialog box with Microsoft Office Trusted Location will open.Ħ. Click “Files” and navigate to “Options.”ĥ. To disable the protected view by setting a folder as trusted, do the following:ġ. In fact, it is best if you frequently send and receive files from your employees, co-workers, etc. With the trusted folder approach, excel will not ask you to enable editing when opening files. This process entails selecting several folders to act as trusted folders and safe zones for your excel files. How to take Excel off protected view using Trusted Folders

You can now continue reading and editing your file without any restrictions. For instance, you will notice some excel versions ask you to “Enable Content” instead of the usual “Enable Editing.” The process can be a bit different if you are using the old excel versions, i.e., excel 2007. Go to the ribbon and click “File” > “Info.” After the file opens, a message will notify you that the file is opened in protected view. Enable editing by following these steps:ġ. That is from a friend, colleague, or any other source you trust. Once excel opens a file in protected view, you can enable editing mode if you are certain that it is from a safe location. How to take excel off Protected View permanently.How to take Excel off protected view using Trusted Folders.
