The “Shared Workbooks” feature, which is an older one, enables multiple users to work together on a workbook. This function has numerous drawbacks and co-authoring has taken its place. For Microsoft 365 subscribers, Excel co-authoring is available in Excel for the Web and the Microsoft 365 Apps Excel desktop client. Buy or try Microsoft 365.
How to enable workbook sharing in Excel 2016 | 2019
How to un-share an Excel file
You can learn how to stop sharing a spreadsheet program document by following these steps:
1. Access the file you want to un-share
Look through your computer’s documents to find the spreadsheet you want to stop sharing. Click on the file to open the program. The word “Shared” appears in brackets next to the document’s title, indicating that other experts have access to it and can edit its contents.
2. Click the “Review” option
You can modify the content of your spreadsheet by choosing from the options displayed at the top of the screen. The “Data” and “View” tabs are separated by a tab titled “Review.” You can review the settings you’ve already applied to the file by selecting the “Review” option.
3. Select “Share Workbook”
One option within the “Review” tab is “Share Workbook. It can be seen in the screen’s upper right corner. The symbol features a table with two blue arrows pointing in different directions. To see the document’s sharing capabilities, select the option.
4. Uncheck the box
When you select “Share Workbook,” a dialog box with the “Editing” and “Advanced” tabs appears. There is a box that says, “Allow changes by more than one user at the same time” in the “Editing” tab. “Click the box to deselect the choice, which stops your coworkers from editing the file alongside you.
5. Press “OK”
After making your choice, move your cursor to the dialog box’s bottom. To confirm the termination of the file sharing, select the “OK” option. Another dialog box might appear, informing you that your selection prevents your coworkers from saving their edits and that it deletes any edits you’ve already made. It also asks if you want to continue. Click “Yes. “.
You are the only author of the spreadsheet now that you have denied access to every employee who worked on it. Future modifications you make to the file might only be accessible to you.
When is it important to un-share an Excel file?
The following situations could call for removing shared access to an Excel spreadsheet:
Tips to un-share an Excel file
Take into account the following advice for more details on removing collaborators in Excel:
Review the work on the file
When you stop sharing a document with your coworkers, they can no longer make changes to the spreadsheet’s data. Checking the work to make sure your coworkers have included the details you require to finish the document can be helpful. You can be certain that you are prepared to be accountable for the content going forward.
If you and your coworkers worked together on a research project, for instance, you might have shared a file so they could input the information they coded from their focus groups. You review the spreadsheet’s content to ensure that your teammates entered all the information required for making conclusions. As you end the collaboration, you can now be sure that you didn’t leave anything out.
Be mindful of other users
Make sure users can save the work they’ve already contributed to the spreadsheet before removing their access. Think about telling your team members about the cancellation and asking them to download the most recent file. They can also make changes to their own copies of the spreadsheets by editing the content themselves. You can keep the work you’ve done with your coworkers by telling them about the un-sharing. Additionally, it can prevent the loss of edits once collaboration on the program is terminated.
Rename the new file
Consider adding a new name to the spreadsheet you are currently working on. It stands out from other documents that you might distribute to your coworkers. Additionally, it might be simpler to locate the file in your computer’s storage. Consider a file name that reflects the modifications you intend to make now that you are the only author. After you finish the file, you can give credit for your work if you want to send it to someone else.
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FAQ
How do I Unshare a Excel workbook?
To Un Share an Excel workbook. On the Review Menu – Choose – Share Workbook. Ensure Allow Changes tick box is unchecked. The above dialog will appear. Ensure you click yes to unshare the Excel workbook.
Why can’t I Unshare my Excel workbook?
If there are other users, disconnect them first. If the box cannot be checked (is grayed out), shared workbook protection is likely enabled. After closing the Share Workbook dialog box with OK, click the Unprotect Shared Workbook button on the Review tab, in the Changes group, to unlock the workbook.
