[Article] Microsoft Word message: "You can't make this change because this selection is locked."

The problem: When you edit a Word document, you receive a warning message stating the selection is locked:  "You can't make this change because this selection is locked."

If you receive this message when you open a document on a mobile device, see Unlock a file that has been locked for editing 

This message can be triggered by these issues:

1. Your Office is not activated, or you are using a trial version of Office that has expired. 

Solution: Activate Office. Go to File > Account to activate it. If your subscription expired, you'll need to purchase Office and activate.  

2.  You have more than one version of Office installed, and one version is not activated. 

Solution: Uninstall the version you do not have a license for. 

To uninstall Office in Windows 11, open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and search for the Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office installation. 

3. Another user is editing the file. 

Solution: Make a copy of the file or wait until they are done editing. 

4. Protection is applied to all or part of the document.

Solution: In the Review ribbon tab, click Restrict Editing (under Protect) and see if protection has been applied. If it has, then unprotect it.

Additional information from Jay Freedman Word MVP

In #4, the same message may appear if a grouping content control has been applied (Developer > Group > Group) to part or all of the document. To remove the grouping, click Developer > Group > Ungroup.

5. A Group content control has been applied to part or all of the document. 

Solution: To remove the grouping, click Developer > Group > Ungroup.

6. The document has been marked as "Final". 

This indicates that editing is complete and typing, editing commands, and proofing marks are turned off. You should see a banner at the top of the document stating that the document is marked as final. The Protect Document button in the File > Info page will be highlighted if the document is marked as final. 

Solution: Click File > Protect Document and click Mark as Final to toggle that setting off.  Protect Document will be highlighted and state that the file is marked as final. 

See these articles from Microsoft Office Support to learn more about restricting access to documents. 

Restrict or permit formatting changes

Why can’t I edit this file?

Restrict or permit formatting changes

Allow changes to parts of a protected document