Subject: Request for Version Without Sensitivity Label

Question

Hello,

I need to work with EXCEL file, which is currently labeled"Confidential - All Company." The sensitivity label is preventing me from using the file as needed.

If authorized by company policy, could you please:

Provide a version of the workbook without the sensitivity label, or Change the label to a less restrictive classification (for example, Internal), or Grant the necessary permissions for me to access and modify the file.

Answer 1

Hi @Cianel Lequina - DSV

Just so you know, Microsoft Q&A is a public community, so nobody here can see your company's files or change their labels. That has to come from inside your organization. Please don't post the file itself here either. Here's how to get it sorted quickly.

1. Open the workbook and click the label name in the Sensitivity bar (or Home > Sensitivity). If you have rights to change it, you can pick a different label there. If your organization requires a reason when lowering a label, Excel will ask for a short justification, so mention why you need it.
2. If the option is greyed out or you get a permissions error, the label is protected for your account. In that case, contact the file owner (the person who shared it with you) and ask them to either give you edit rights or apply a less restrictive label.
3. If the owner isn't available, raise it with your IT or security team. They manage the sensitivity labels and can confirm what's allowed under your company's policy.

Is the file opening read-only for you, or not opening at all?

If this resolved your issue, please consider accepting it as the answer. If the label options aren't showing at all, let me know and I'll be happy to keep helping.

Reference:

• https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/apply-sensitivity-labels-to-your-files-and-email-2f96e7cd-d5a4-403b-8bd7-4cc636bae0f9