Sorry this Document can’t be Opened for Editing: How to Fix

Ensure you have access to the document you want to edit

2 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

SinceSharePointhandles more or less complex business processes, providing a certain workflow allows more efficient handling of all onboard projects. Thankfully enough, Microsoft has released a new app as part of the Microsoft 365 Suite called Microsoft Flow.

However, things are not really straightforward, as users experience sorry this document can’t be opened for editing error. It all boils down to users not being able to open andedit documents that are already inSharepoint.

How can I open documents for editing in SharePoint?

1. Ensure you have the right permissions

Before all else, make sure that you have the right to edit thefilein the first place.

For example, if you belong to a workgroup and it was uploaded toSharePointby someone else, make sure you have all the access andeditingprivileges granted to you.

2. Make sure the file is editable even when not on SharePoint

Furthermore, make sure thefileis not marked as read-only, as these types offilescan only be viewed but not edited. In some extreme cases, read-onlyfilescan’t even be accessed at all.

So, change it accordingly, and sorry, this document cannot be opened for editing error should be fixed for good.

3. Make sure you use Flow appropriately

Flow is filled with commands and actions that need to be properly applied to each step in order to function correctly. Consider looking over Flow documentation to make sure you’ve taken the right steps.

Additionally, make sure that flow can support whatever it is that you are trying to do.

In the case presented above, the Convert Word Document to PDF action needs to use File Browse to specify thefile, which is something the user did not do. As it stands, Dynamic content and Expression are not supported by Flow to configurefilepaths.

By following these steps, you should be able to avoid running into the sorry, this document can’t be opened for editing error inSharePoint.

If youcan’t edit any Word document on your PC, quickly go through our detailed guide to fix it.

Did our article help you get past your issue? Let us know in the comment section below.

Sorry this Document can’t be Opened for Editing: How to Fix#

How can I open documents for editing in SharePoint?#

1. Ensure you have the right permissions#

2. Make sure the file is editable even when not on SharePoint#

3. Make sure you use Flow appropriately#

Sorry this Document can’t be Opened for Editing: How to Fix

How can I open documents for editing in SharePoint?

1. Ensure you have the right permissions

2. Make sure the file is editable even when not on SharePoint

3. Make sure you use Flow appropriately