Restrict Editing lets you share a Word document while limiting what others can change. It is different from a password to open the file: people can still read the document, but Word controls the type of editing they are allowed to do.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, and Word 2019 on Windows. Word for Mac does not include the same Restrict Editing pane, so Mac users should use the document protection alternative described below.
Turn on Restrict Editing
Choose the allowed edit type first, then enforce protection.
- Open the Review tab.
- Click Restrict Editing to open the pane.
- Under Editing restrictions, check Allow only this type of editing in the document.
- Choose No changes (Read only), Tracked changes, Comments, or Filling in forms.
- If certain people should still edit selected areas, use Exceptions before enforcing protection.
- Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.
- Optionally enter a password, confirm it, and click OK.
After protection starts, the document remains readable, but edits are limited to the option you chose. Store the password carefully if you set one.
Remove or change the restriction
You need the password if one was used.
- Open Review > Restrict Editing.
- Click Stop Protection at the bottom of the pane.
- Enter the password if prompted.
- Change the restriction settings or leave protection off.
If the password is forgotten, Word does not provide a normal reset button. Use an earlier unprotected version if one exists.
More control
Mac alternative
On Word for Mac, use Review > Protect > Protect Document and set a Password to modify. This gives a read-only style lock rather than the Windows pane with separate restriction types and exceptions.
Allow one section to remain editable
Select the section first, then add a person or group under Exceptions before starting enforcement. That exception can edit the selected area while the rest follows the restriction.
Use with forms
Choose Filling in forms when the document contains content controls or form fields. Users can complete the form without damaging instructions or layout text.
Fix missing or disabled controls
If Restrict Editing is unavailable, the document may be in Protected View or already protected another way. Click Enable Editing if needed, or remove existing protection before applying a new restriction.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Restrict editing in Word (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Add or remove protection in your document, workbook, or presentation (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Protect a document with a password (2025)