Word file opens in Read-only mode in Sharepoint

Question

The file works fine when opened in browser and also when downloaded and opening in Desktop App, but not directly through Sharepoint.

Other users  can open the file just fine.

We are on O365 Business Version 2002 (Build 12527.20278 Click-to-Run)

Answer 1

Hi ST8888,

From your post, I suppose you open the document by selecting a Word document name, clicking Open>Open in app in SharePoint online document library.

There are several reasons why a file may open as read only:

1. Antivirus programs may open potentially unsafe files as read-only.
2. If you have libraries with Checkout, Required, or Validation columns or metadata, or when Draft Item Security is set to either Only users who can edit or Only uses who can approve items in Version Settings of the library, these items will be synchronized as read-only.

Please check the following article to confirm this isn’t the case: SharePoint files open as read-only

In addition, try opening the document from Word 365 itself, see if the document still opens in Read Only. In Word, click File>Open>Browse, type the name of the site and select Document, as shown below:

Also, make sure you are sign into Office desktop apps with the same credentials which you used in SharePoint online to login.

If the issue persists, please conform the following information:

1. As you mentioned other users can open file in desktop application without any issue, only you encounter the issue. May I know what permission do you have on site and library? Do you have the same permission as others?
2. Does all the Word files in the library open in read-only? Please check if you can open Excel and PowerPoint files in desktop app.
3. Please check if you have this issue opening files from other libraries in the same site and other sites.
4. Could you please confirm whether you are using Monthly Channel or Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted)? You’ll find this information in any Office app, click File>Account, check under Product Information.

Thanks,

Neha

Answer 2

Hi ST8888,

Did you check above reply?Please update us when you have time.

Regards,

Neha

Answer 3

Hi Neha,

Thanks for your help.  The user just created a different file as a workaround.