Make Workbook Read-only in Excel

This example shows you how to make your workbook read-only. Users can still save changes by creating a new copy of the workbook. For a better protection, protect a sheet.

1. Open a workbook.

2. On the File tab, click Save As.

3. Click Browse.

4. Click on the Tools button and click General Options.

5. In the Password to modify box, enter a password and click OK.

Note: If you only want to recommend users to open the Excel file as read-only, without protecting it, don’t enter a password and check Read-only recommended.

6. Reenter the password and click on OK.

Note: this feature does not encrypt your Excel file. Malicious users can edit the file and remove the password.

7. Enter a file name and click Save.

Your workbook is read-only now. The password for the downloadable Excel file is “easy”