Always open the Excel file in view-only mode

Question

I have an Excel file in SharePoint that is shared with three people in our organization. I have owner permissions for this file, but every time I open it through O365 online web, it opens in view-only mode instead of editing mode. I’m not sure how this happened, as it was working fine a few weeks ago. Is there any way to change the default mode to editing mode?

Answer 1

Dear Dineth,

Good day! Thank you for contacting the Microsoft Community. We are here to assist you

I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble in editing file as it is opening in view only mode. To better understand the issue, we kindly request some additional information. Could you please provide the following details:

1. Are you using Microsoft account (like ******@outlook.com or other email addresses) or work/school account (like ******@domain.onimicrosoft.com or ******@domain.com)? If you are using work/school account, are you signed in the browser with same account?
2. How does he/she share the workbook with you, send you an edit link of the file or you receive an invitation email for the file? Let that user create a no-sign in required (Edit) link, share that link with you. See if you can edit the workbook.
3. Are you able to edit the file with Excel desktop app, do you edit a copy of the file or the original file? When you access Excel Online with your Office 365 account, are you able to create files, edit files, save files?
4. As you mentioned it was working fine a few weeks ago can you check if your subscription is still active by accessing "My Account"? please share screen shot with us.

Please understand that our initial reply may not always immediately resolve the issue. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

Have a great day and take care! 😊 

Sincerely, 

Naren | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

1. This is a work account (******@domain.lk) and i am signed in with same account in google chrome.
2. I created the SharePoint and then created this excel file. I shared this file with two other people in my company.
3. Yes, I can edit this Excel file in the desktop app, but it does not synchronize with Office 365 online unless it is in editing mode in the web version. I can create, edit, and save any Excel files in this SharePoint
4. I have Business Basic license and it is active.

Answer 3

Hi Dineth,

Thanks for the information.

May I know if all the files have same issue or this particular file?

Have you tried on another PC or browser to check the issue?

If the user has edit permissions, the file will open in edit view in the browser. However, one setting that you may consider, it may be possible that this specific Excel workbook is being protected and force to open in the view mode, open the said workbook in the browser, go to File>Info, click Protect Workbook.

Once you change this setting, please close the excel and open the workbook again and let us know that result by posting back the outcome.

However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

Have a great day and take care! 😊 

Sincerely, 

Naren | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 4

Dear Naren,

Sorry for the late reply.

1. Only this particular has the mentioned issue.
2. I have tried different browsers but nothing happened.
3. I Have attached images from both desktop and web version.

Answer 5

Dear Dineth,

Thanks for sharing more details.

If above steps don’t help you, you might need to escalate the case to Microsoft support team. Unfortunately, community members don’t have access to remote support tool. This can only be initiated by an Office 365 Global Administrator. The Microsoft Support Team has higher permission to remotely assist you and collect background logs for the root cause. This is a more efficient way in handling this case for you.

If you are an admin, I recommend you get support by following steps from this link: Get support - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn.  If you are not an admin, you can contact your admin to contact Microsoft support. You can look for the way to find your admin through this link: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support.

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Please accept my apologies for redirecting you to the related team support, as the moderators in this community have limited resources and permission to verify the backend information and to get the quick and better assistance, we requested for this.

I hope you are staying safe and well! Have a great day and take care! 😊 

Sincerely, 

Naren | Microsoft Community Moderator