Why does Protect Document > Restrict Access cause my Word document to freeze?

Question

I am trying to restrict access to a fillable form in Word in Microsoft 365 Business Premium version 18.2306.1061.0, running on a Windows 11 computer.

I have tried protecting the document through the Developer tab and through the Info section in the document. Every time, the entire app freezes as soon as I check the Restrict permissions to this document checkbox. The only way I can resolve the situation is by shutting down Word through the Task Manager.

I have tried repairing the Microsoft 365 apps and starting with a blank Word document, but the outcome is always the same. I would really appreciate some help since our General Counsel is asking for this form but it is presently unusable.

Answer 1

The document contains Content Controls. What do you really mean by "the entire app freezes"? Do you have other documents open and it affects them as well? Or, is it just the case that when you protect the document containing the Content Controls, you cannot edit that text that is not contained in the Content Controls?

Maybe you need two versions of the document, one that is unprotected for those who need to be able modify the text anywhere in the document and one in which all of the text and the Content Controls have been "grouped" by using the Group facility in the Controls section of the Developer tab of the ribbon.

Answer 2

Does the document contain formfields? If so, are you applying Protection for Filling in Forms?

If you send me a copy of the document, referencing this thread in the covering email message, I will investigate the issue.

Answer 3

I am going to present the grouped document as the best option and hope the other users will adapt. It achieves what I need without destroying my workflow, so I will consider the issue solved. Thank you!

Answer 4

Dear Shaula Stephenson,

Good day!! Thanks for posting your concern in this Microsoft Community.

Per the description shared, I understand your concern and since you mentioned you have already performed repair with no success, I would like to confirm whether you have performed Online Repair to the Office apps. If yes and the problem persists, please launch your Word app in the safe mode and check the outcome. Reference: Open Office apps in safe mode on a Windows PC - Microsoft Support

Note: If you haven’t perform Online Repair, please perform Online Repair to the Office apps and check the outcome.

If the problem happens even in the safe mode, please try to check whether the same problem happens in the new user account on the problematic device. Reference: Create a local user or administrator account in Windows - Microsoft Support

Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Best Regards,

Mia

Answer 5

The document does contain form fields and want to apply protection because a handful of other people need to be able to edit the non-form text. I have seen in some of your threads that it's no longer advisable to enforce protection with fields, but if I group them, how can I allow the appropriate people to make changes to non-form text? I will send my document to you and I would love other suggestions on how to meet this challenge.