How to Lock a Word Document from Editing

To lock a Word document from editing, select Review > Restrict Editing. In the pane that opens, select Allow only this type of editing in the document, choose No changes (Read only), and select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection. Enter a password so others can’t simply turn the protection off, then save the document. People can still open and read it, but they can’t change anything unless they know the password.

Applies to: Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2024, 2021 and 2019 on Windows and Mac. Last reviewed October 7, 2026.

Choose the right kind of lock

• Always Open Read-Only: a gentle reminder. Readers can still choose to edit.
• Mark as Final: tells readers the document is finished. Anyone can select Edit Anyway.
• Restrict Editing: blocks changes, or allows only comments, tracked changes or form filling. Best for most people.
• Password to modify: anyone can open the file read-only, but only people with the password can save changes to it.
• Encrypt with Password: nobody can open the file at all without the password.
• Share a view-only link or a PDF: the most reliable way to stop changes to a copy you send.

Lock the document with Restrict Editing

1. Open the document and select the Review tab.
2. Select Restrict Editing. On a Mac, select Protect > Protect Document.
3. Under Editing restrictions, select Allow only this type of editing in the document.
4. Choose what others can do:
   • No changes (Read only) to block all edits.
   • Comments to allow comments but not edits.
   • Tracked changes to allow edits, but record every one for you to review.
   • Filling in forms to allow typing only in form fields.
5. Select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.
6. Type a password twice and select OK. You can leave it blank, but then anyone can stop the protection.
7. Save the document.

Microsoft’s guide to making a document read-only in Word covers the same options.

Lock most of the document but leave some parts editable

Use exceptions to let people edit only certain sections, such as a signature block or a response area.

1. Open Restrict Editing and choose No changes (Read only).
2. Select the text people should be able to edit.
3. Under Exceptions, select the Everyone checkbox.
4. Repeat for other editable areas. They’re highlighted when protection is on.
5. Select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection and set a password.

Readers can press Find Next Region I Can Edit in the Restrict Editing pane to jump between editable areas.

Require a password to save changes

1. Select File > Save As > Browse.
2. Select Tools (next to Save) > General Options.
3. Type a password in Password to modify and select OK. Re-enter it when asked.
4. Select Save.

Others can open the document as read-only. If they edit it, they must save it under a new name, so your original stays unchanged.

Require a password to open the document

For confidential documents, encrypt the file: select File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password, type a password twice, and save. Store the password safely, because Microsoft can’t recover it. See how to password protect a Word document.

Lighter options: read-only and Mark as Final

• Always Open Read-Only: select File > Info > Protect Document > Always Open Read-Only. Word asks readers whether to open it read-only each time.
• Mark as Final: select File > Info > Protect Document > Mark as Final. A yellow bar shows the document is final, and editing commands are turned off until someone selects Edit Anyway.

Lock a document you share online

If the document is in OneDrive or SharePoint, the sharing link controls who can edit:

1. Select Share in the top-right corner of Word.
2. Select the link settings (often shown as Anyone with the link can edit).
3. Change it to Can view and select Apply.
4. Copy the link or send it by email.

People with a view-only link can read and download a copy, but they can’t change your file.

Send a locked copy as a PDF

A PDF is the simplest way to share a document that looks the same everywhere and is hard to edit. Select File > Export > Create PDF/XPS, or File > Save As and choose PDF.

How secure is Restrict Editing?

Restrict Editing prevents accidental and casual changes, but it isn’t encryption. Someone determined can copy the text into a new document. Use encryption for confidential content, and remember that anyone who can read a document can photograph or retype it.

Troubleshooting

Restrict Editing is grayed out

The document is in Compatibility Mode or opened read-only. Save it as a .docx with File > Save As, then try again.

Others can still edit the document

Check that you selected Yes, Start Enforcing Protection and then saved the file before sending it. If you sent an earlier copy, people may be editing that version. Also make sure you didn’t leave the password blank, which lets anyone select Stop Protection.

I forgot the Restrict Editing password

Without it you can’t turn protection off normally. If you have an earlier unprotected copy or OneDrive version history, restore that. You can also copy the content into a new document, though formatting may change.

Restrict Editing doesn’t work in Word for the web

Word for the web respects protection set in the desktop app but can’t add it. Use the desktop app, or share a view-only link instead.

Frequently asked questions

How do I unlock the document later?

Select Review > Restrict Editing > Stop Protection and enter the password. See how to unlock a document in Word.

Can I lock just one part of a document?

Yes. Lock the whole document with Restrict Editing and add exceptions for the parts people can edit, as shown above.

Will people be able to copy text from a locked document?

Usually yes. Restrict Editing blocks changes, not copying. A PDF with copy restrictions or a view-only link gives a little more control.

Related: How to put a password on a folder in Windows 11.

Related: How to Check Edit History in Word.

Related: how to enable editing in Word.