How to Edit a Read-Only SharePoint File

Overview

Instructions on how to edit a SharePoint file that is read-only.

Environment

SharePoint

Troubleshooting/Resolution

If you need to edit a SharePoint file that is Read-only, try the following:

  • Right-click the three dots to the side of the file name in SharePoint and see if it is checked out by you or someone else. Have the person check the document back in.

If the step above does not resolve the issue:

  1. Open up the application (i.e. Microsoft Word or Excel) Account settings and log out.  
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Sign back into your computer, then open up the application.
  4. Go back to the Account settings and do a connection back to OneDrive or a SharePoint site.
    • Sometimes opening a document from the SharePoint site and choosing to Edit in the Desktop will automatically re-link the account without going through the Account settings from the application. 
Additional Information or Notes

For additional questions, you can contact the JMU IT Help Desk at helpdesk@jmu.edu or 540-568-3555.

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