Excel 2013 Open a file and prompt user with “Author would like you to open as read-only”

calendar_today Asked Mar 24, 2014
thumb_up 8 upvotes
history Updated April 16, 2026

Question posted 2014 · +5 upvotes

I have an excel file. When the file is opened I would like the user to be prompted with the message “The author would like you to open file_abc.xlsm as read-only unless you need to make changes. Open as read-only?”

For the life of me I can’t find the box to tick. What’s even worse is I did this about two weeks ago from some of my other workbooks. Can someone please tell me where the option is located in Excel 2013?

Thanks!

Accepted answer +8 upvotes

While saving the excel file (or ‘Save As’ for already saved files) when the Browse window appears asking file name, type, location etc : there is a ‘tools’ dropdown select just at the left of the save button. Click on it and select: ‘General Options’. A mini option window appears with ‘Backup Creation’ / ‘Password Protection’ and a check box called ‘Read Only Recommended‘. Check that option and save your file. Thats all.

How is it related to any programming, by the way?

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