How can I set up MS documents (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) so they can't be edited?

If you don’t want to convert your document to PDF but are concerned about it being edited or have other security concerns, you can use Microsoft’s access restriction features for Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents.

Note: We recommend saving the original editable version of the document on your hard drive or OneDrive in case you need to make edits later.

1. Open your document in Word, PowerPoint, or Excel.

2. Go to the File tab on the ribbon.

3. Select Info.

4. Click on Protect Document (or Protect Presentation / Protect Workbook) > A pane will open.  From the dropdown menu, you can choose one of the following options:
   

1. Always Open Read-Only – forces the document to open in read-only mode by default.
   
2. ​Encrypt with Password – prompts you to enter and confirm a password. Click OK to apply.
   
3. ​Restrict Access – allows you to grant access to others while removing options to edit, copy, or print the document.
   

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