Fix: You Can’t Make This Change Because Selection is Locked

Enable Design mode in Microsoft Word to solve the issue

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Many users complain about encountering the You can’t make this change because this selection is locked error message on Microsoft Word. The error occurs when you try to open or edit a Word document. However, this guide will discuss the steps for fixing the error.

Also, you can check our detailed guide aboutWord documents being blank when openedand some steps for fixing the issue.

What causes you can’t make this change because the selection is locked?

The message You can’t make this change because this selection is locked in Microsoft Word appears when you’re trying to modify a part of the document that is protected or restricted. Here are some common causes for this error message:

These causes are subject to change depending on the circumstances of occurrence. Regardless, identifying the type of protection applied and taking the appropriate steps to remove it can fix the issue.

How can I fix you can’t make this change because the selection is locked?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting steps, we recommend you try these preliminary checks:

If the error persists, try the solutions below:

1. Enable Design mode in Microsoft Word

Enabling the Design Mode allows you to work with various controls, such as form fields, checkboxes, etc., and resolve the restriction error.

Check our article about what to do ifMicrosoft Word has stopped workingon your computer.

2. Remove Section protection

The error should stop popping up for the document by stopping the protection.

3. Disable the Mark as Final feature

Disabling the Mark as Final option in the Protect Document feature allows all typing, editing commands, and proofing marks to the Word document.

Alternatively, you can check our guide on fixing theWord experienced an error trying to open the file erroron your PC.

If you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section.

Fix: You Can’t Make This Change Because Selection is Locked#

What causes you can’t make this change because the selection is locked?#

How can I fix you can’t make this change because the selection is locked?#

1. Enable Design mode in Microsoft Word#

2. Remove Section protection#

3. Disable the Mark as Final feature#