Sharepoint Excel File opening in Read Only Mode.

Question

Hello,

I am encountering a problem where excel files opened in Sharepoint (Synced file explorer) are all opened in Read-Only mode. I have already checked properties in both Sharepoint and File Explorer and all the read only options are unchecked. Inside excel settings, trust center etc i have also checked. The message is "We opened this workbook read-only from the server."

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hi ABC_Business, 

Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft Community. I'm glad to help you! 

To better understand the issue and help you more effectively, could you please help me confirm a few things: 

Are you seeing the read-only issue when opening the Excel file in Excel on the web, Excel desktop app, or both? 

Do you see any error message when the file opens in read-only mode? If yes, could you please share the exact message or a screenshot? 

Does this read-only issue happen with all Excel files in the SharePoint library, or is it only affecting some specific files? 

Is the file something you own, or was it shared with you by someone else? 

Could you try creating a new Excel file, upload it to the same SharePoint library, and open it? This will help us check if the issue is with that specific file or with the library settings in general. 

If any sensitivity label be put on this file? 

With your help and a bit more detail, we’ll work together to find the best solution for you. 

Looking forward to your reply! 

Sincerely, 
Jeanie-H - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist.

Answer 2

Hi ABC_Business,

I've just sent you a private message so we can chat directly, I’m doing my best to drive workaround in this issue.

This is also an area I’m really keen to learn more about, so I truly appreciate your replies and cooperation. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 
Jeanie-H - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist.

Answer 3

Hello, thanks for the quick reply, as for the answers to the questions, please take a look below:

1. It seems like i only encounter the issue on excel files opened on Desktop, there is no issues with the web.
2. There is no error message but a notice on the file being opened in read-only mode.
3. The problem occurs with all the excel files opened using this device on Desktop excel app.
4. The files, are shared to me. But to note that i have been made the owner and have full control permissions given by the original owner.
5. FInally, even after creating a new workbook, the problem continues to exist.
6. No sensitivity label has been put in place, not all excel worksheet has a protected sheet or something but all excel files continues to have this problem. I have figured out that it is this device specific, but i find it hard to figure out why is it so. As i have already explored all the properties and guides online and have yet to solve this. Hope you can help me out, thank you!