Information Rights Management

Modified on Fri, 24 Oct, 2025 at 9:54 AM

Hi May,

I used the password issue as an example of certain features (when turned on) that require you to open the file in the full version of Excel and not the web app. The same is true for Information Rights Management. That is a way of further restricting access to the file.

I would ask the last person to edit the file if they intentionally enabled IRM or if it was a mistake. One way of the other, you can remove IRM using these steps:

Steps to Remove IRM Protection

Open the Excel Document: Start by opening the Excel file that has IRM enabled.
Access the File Menu: Click on the "File" tab in the ribbon at the top of the window.
Navigate to Info: In the left-hand menu, select "Info".
Protect Workbook: Click on "Protect Workbook" in the center pane. This will show you various protection options.
Remove IRM:

If you see "Restrict Access", click on it and then select "Remove IRM".
If prompted, enter your IRM credentials to confirm the action.

Save the Document: After removing the IRM protection, make sure to save the document to apply the changes.

Click here to view your request online.

Open Space Institute Helpdesk

On Wed, 22 Oct at 8:49 AM , May May Cheng <mcheng@osiny.org> wrote:
It’s created internally and doesn’t require any password to open.

From: Open Space Institute Helpdesk <techsupport@osiny.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 8:48 AM
To: May May Cheng <mcheng@osiny.org>
Cc: Mike Baden <mbaden@osiny.org>
Subject: Re: [#21296] Excel - Information Rights Management

Hi May,

Some security features for Office applications still do not translate to the web versions. For example, if a document is protected by a password, you still need to use the full version of Word or Excel (rather than the web app) to open them.

Did someone at OSI create this spreadsheet or is it from an external party?

Click here to view your request online.
Open Space Institute Helpdesk

On Tue, 21 Oct at 1:36 PM , May May Cheng <mcheng@osiny.org> wrote:
Hi,

I tried opening an excel file from SharePoint and got this message. It opened just fine in the App but I’m curious what this message means. And if there’s anything I need to be mindful of.

Thanks!
May May

May May Cheng | Controller
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