The Restrict Editing mode uses password or user authentication as the file protection method.
When enabled, Protected View opens documents in read-only mode and disables most editing functions.
To disable Protected View in MS Word:
4.
However, it can also prevent you from editing legitimate documents by opening them in read-only mode.
take a stab at disable this option to see if that helps you deal with the problem.
Try turning off the Preview pane in File Explorer to fix the problem.
However, your antivirus can also block genuine files and prevent them from opening default mode in MS Word.
If you have a third-party antivirus, peek if it is causing Word files to open in read-only mode.
you could disable your antivirus temporarily to determine if it is causing the issue.
Once disabled, bring up the Word file and verify if it opens in default mode with editing privileges.
If so, check your antivirus program for software or process exclusion tweaks, including the Ransomware shield setting.
If the issue persists, consider switching toless intrusive antivirus software.
However, these safety features can also block genuine files and open them in read-only mode.
