how to fix file permission error in Word

To fix a file permission error in Microsoft Word, you can try the following steps:

1. Check File Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the file. Right-click on the file, select Properties, and then go to the Security tab to check your permissions.
2. Change File Attributes: If the file is write-protected, you need to remove the write protection. Right-click the file, select Properties, and uncheck the Read-only attribute if it is checked.
3. Open with Different Permissions: If you are using a network drive or a shared folder, ensure that you have the correct permissions set by the administrator. You may need to contact your IT department for assistance.
4. Move the File: Try moving the file to a different location, such as your local drive, and see if you can access it from there.
5. Check for Locks: Ensure that the file is not being used by another application. If another process has locked the file, you may need to wait until it is released.
6. Restart Word: Sometimes, simply restarting Microsoft Word can resolve temporary permission issues.
7. Check for Corruption: If the file is corrupted, it may cause permission errors. Try opening it with the Text Recovery converter or restoring from a backup if available.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consult your system administrator for further assistance.

References:

• Permission denied (Error 70)
• File '<filename>' is write protected

Dear @Eleuterio Santiago-Diaz

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum!

Based on your description, I can see that you need to change permission of the file or folder on Mac:

• Select folder with your Word documents or individual Word document that you have problem with

• Get Info: Comand+I or (File on top of the screen>Get Info)

• Under Sharing & Permission, on the bottom of dialog-box-window set your permission to "Read & Write"

If it cannot help you, you can follow this link: https://tru.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/84/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=4795 to use a command in Terminal to fix it (try next steps in that link as well):

• Open Terminal
• Press Command + Space to open Spotlight Search. Type Terminal and press Enter.
• Run the Command
• In Terminal, type the following command and press Enter: sudo atsutil databases -remove
• You may be prompted for your Mac password.
• Restart the Mac
• Once the command finishes, restart your Mac to complete the reset.

Please note that our support is limited to providing guidance based on official Microsoft documentation. Any third-party resources or references shared are intended solely for informational or consultative purposes. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or continued availability of third-party content, and we recommend exercising discretion when referring to such materials.

Also, you can clear Word Preferences:

• Quit Word > Go to:

~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/

Delete com.microsoft.Word.securebookmarks.plist

See in this thread for more details: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5198337/permission-error-word-mac

I hope this information can help you and please feel free to let me know the result in the comment section.

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How to Fix “Word Cannot Open the Document: User Does Not Have Access Privileges”

This error happens in Word when Windows or Office blocks access to your own files. Here are the most reliable fixes:

1. Unblock the File

Sometimes Windows flags downloaded or moved files as unsafe.

Right-click the file

Select Properties

If you see Unblock, check the box

Click Apply

Try opening Word again.

2. Check File Ownership

If the file was copied from another PC or drive, you may not be the owner.

Right-click the file → Properties

Go to Security tab

Click Advanced

At the top, click Change (next to Owner)

Type your Windows username → Check Names

Save and apply

This restores your permissions.

3. Give Yourself Full Control

Right-click the file

Properties → Security

Click Edit

Select your user account

Check Full Control

Apply

If your user account isn’t listed, add it manually.

4. Disable Protected View (for testing)

Word may block files it thinks are unsafe.

Open Word

Go to File → Options

Select Trust Center → Trust Center Settings

Click Protected View

Uncheck options temporarily

Try opening the file

If it works, you can turn Protected View back on afterward.

5. Add the Folder to Trusted Locations

Word → File → Options

Trust Center → Trust Center Settings

Trusted Locations

Add the folder where your documents are stored

6. Check If Files Are Read-Only

Right-click file → Properties

Make sure Read-only is not checked

Also check if the folder is read-only.

7. Syncing Apps Can Lock Files

If your files are in:

OneDrive

SharePoint

Google Drive

Dropbox

You may see permission errors during syncing.

Try:

Pausing sync

Copying the file to a local folder (like Documents)

Reopening Word

8. Repair Microsoft Office

Open Settings

Apps → Installed Apps

Choose Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365

Select Modify

Choose Quick Repair → If still failing, try Online Repair.

⭐ Need Live Help?

If you want to talk to Microsoft directly, search for:

➡ How-do-I-get-a-live-person-at-Microsoft-customer-service.pdf

This brings up steps for reaching a real Microsoft support agent or requesting a callback.