There are a few flaws, though.
Thats horrible when you cant modify the file in Word.
This article is about resolving that selection error for Word documents.
Read till the end to solve the Microsoft Word selection is locked problem.
Why is my Selection Locked in Microsoft Word?
Using an unactivated version of Microsoft Office is the main reason behind the word selection is locked error.
Also, opening a protected document and windows bugs can trigger the issue.
However, if thecontent controlled cant be deletedoption is enabled, you might face this error.
Moreover, issues in the documents metadata significantly impact access to editing permission.
Microsoft Word doesnt allow any changes if the document is configured as restricted editing.
That irritating message wont move out from your screen unless you change something on your setup.
You might ask what can be adjusted to get rid of that issue.
Read the following chapter and act accordingly to find out the solutions.
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How to Unlock Selection in Microsoft Word
Unlocking a locked Word document is comparatively simple.
You just need to launch the document in Microsoft Word updated version.
PressCtrl + Shift + F11simultaneously; after that, you’ve got the option to edit the file.
Also, pressCtrl + Shift + Fn + F11if youre using a laptop.
The described method is a generalized way to unlock Word documents.
In case that method didnt go well for you, following the subsequent techniques will.
After reading this section, opening a locked document for editing wont be difficult.
When a document is marked as final, a message will appear on the top in a yellow bar.
It is often used with Word documents that carry vital data to prevent being tampered with by unauthorized persons.
Without the password, you wont be able to modify the file when trying to access it.
Otherwise, simply tap on Edit anyway whenever the oops message appears.
After that, move forward to the solutions.
Here are the methods to unlock Selection in MS Word:
1.
Also, check out our separate post on how tomake only one page landscape in Word.
Update the system from time to time to unlock a selection in Word.
Here are the steps to update Microsoft Word:
Microsoft will check whether you need an update or not.
After downloading the update, Microsoft will install it automatically.
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Activate Office
Using the trial version of MS office sometimes leads you to this issue.
Activating the Office program can retrieve you from this misery.
Heres the procedure to activate Microsoft Word:
That will activate Microsoft Word.
look to see if you are still unable to edit the Word document.
Try out the following solutions in case these methods couldnt resolve your issue.
Modify the documents properties to patch up the issue.
Heres the procedure to modify document metadata:
Click Ok after editing that information.
Once youre done, relaunch Word and check whether you might carry on with editing without any problem.
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Repairing the utility might solve the case.
These are the solutions that I personally implement whenever I find the selection is locked errors in Word.
Have any queries regarding this matter?
Continue reading the following section to get answers to your questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unlock a locked selection in Word?
Go to the review tab in MS Word > tap on Unprotect document > save the file.
Cant key in on Word because the selection is locked?
How do I enable editing in Word?
How to Unlock a Selection in Microsoft Word?
Press Ctrl + Shift + F11 on the desktop word client.
In terms of laptops, press Ctrl + Shift + Fn +F11 synchronously.
Final Remarks
Microsoft Word isnt free from hassling issues even though the app is widely acceptable.
Maybe a file was locked to protect sensitive information from being modified by unauthorized users.
My team will reach out to help you with the precise solution.
Till then, peace!
