How to Enable Editing in Word (and Turn It Off, Too)

You can only turn editing on and off if you are the owner of a document. Here's how to turn on editing in documents that have previously been restricted:

Review tab and Restrict Editing in Microsoft Word

Select the Review Tab, then select Restrict Editing.

Limit formatting to a selection of styles and Allow only this type of editing in the document checkboxes in Microsoft Word

In the Restrict Editing pane, uncheck Limit formatting to a selection of styles and Allow only this type of editing in the document.

How to Restrict Formatting Changes in Word

If you share a document with other people, you can restrict specific actions that users can take in the document. You can disable editing altogether and make the file read-only, or you can restrict editing to certain parts of the document. To restrict the formatting changes, follow the steps below.

Review tab and Restrict Editing in Microsoft Word

Select the Review Tab, then select Restrict Editing.

Under Formatting Restrictions, select Settings.

Limit formatting to a selection of styles checkbox in Microsoft Word

In the pop-up window, check the Limit formatting to a selection of styles box.

All and OK in formatting restriction settings in Microsoft Word

Choose what to restrict, or select All. You must check the three boxes at the bottom separately. When you're done, select OK.

Yes, Start Enforcing Protection in Microsoft Office

Under Start Enforcement, select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.

Ok in password restrictions box in Microsoft Word

A prompt will appear to add a password to that portion of the document. Click OK, and the changes will take effect.

How to Restrict Changes to Certain Parts of the Document

Without making it read-only, restricting changes to certain parts of a shared document is also possible.

Review tab and Restrict Editing in Microsoft Word

Select the Review Tab, then select Restrict Editing.

Allow only this type of editing in the document in Microsoft Word

Under Editing Restrictions, select Allow only this type of editing in the document.

Restrict Editing drop-down (forms, comments, track changes) in Microsoft Word

Select the drop-down to choose what you want to restrict (forms, comments, track changes). Choose No changes (Read Only) to restrict everything.

Under Exceptions (Optional) in Microsoft Office

Under Exceptions (Optional), add any users you want to exempt from restrictions.

Yes, Start Enforcing Protection in Microsoft Office

Under Start Enforcement, select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.

Ok in password restrictions box in Microsoft Word

A prompt will appear to add a password to that portion of the document. Click OK, and the changes will take effect.

Why can't I enable editing in Word?

The document is probably locked. To unlock it, you must sign in as the document owner and then remove the password protection restriction. Select File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password > remove the password > OK.

Can you edit a scanned document in Word?

Yes. As long as the document is in PDF format, you can edit a scanned document in Word. Just open the PDF in Word to convert the document.

How do I turn off track changes in Word?

To turn off track changes in Word, go to the Review tab and select Track Changes to turn it off. To hide formatting marks in Word, go to File > Options > Display.

How do I turn off AutoCorrect in Word?

To change AutoCorrect settings in Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. From here, you can customize the feature or turn it off altogether.