How to Enable Editing in PowerPoint

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PowerPoint might disable editing for files downloaded from the web for security reasons, such as presentations received via email or PowerPoint templates downloaded from the web. Similarly, Google Slides templates downloaded with PowerPoint might also open in Protected View. To make such files editable, you can turn off Protected View and enable editing by following a few simple steps.

Why do Some PowerPoint Files Come with Protected View Enabled?

PowerPoint files received via email or downloaded online or from untrusted sources might come with restrictions to prevent the editing of the document. Your computer might apply these to protect your system from potentially malicious files.

Protected View in PowerPoint

How to Turn Off Protected View in PowerPoint

Turn Off Protected View for Downloaded PowerPoint Files

If you have just downloaded a file via email or the web, you might see a prompt that the document is restricted. You can disable Protected View in PowerPoint by clicking on Enable Editing.

Enable editing in PowerPoint

How to Disable Protected View from Trust Center in PowerPoint

You can disable Protected View for files by going to File -> Options.

Accessing PowerPoint options

From the dialog box that appears, go to the Trust Center tab and click Trust Center Settings.

Locating Trust Center Settings in PowerPoint

Go to the Protected View tab to disable Protected View for PowerPoint files downloaded from the web, potentially unsafe locations, and Outlook attachments. Other than Protected View settings, Trust Center Settings also provides options to manage trusted publishers, locations, documents, add-ins, macros, and ActiveX settings.

Disable Protected View in PowerPoint

Final Words

Disabling Protected View can be useful to avoid getting the prompt to enable editing for PowerPoint files. However, doing so can also have repercussions, as Protected View no longer restricts malicious files. If you have frequent issues unlocking files due to ActiveX settings, macros, Protected View, Add-ins, or need to specify trusted sources, editing Trust Center Settings can help you save time circumventing unwanted file restrictions. 

PowerPoint Tips, PowerPoint Tools
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