How to disable workbook save but only allow save as in Excel?

To protect the original data in a workbook, it's often necessary to use the Save As function instead of Save, especially when updating the data. However, many users instinctively press Ctrl + S to save their work during editing. Is there a way to disable the Save feature while only allowing Save As in Excel? This tutorial will show you how to achieve this using a simple VBA solution.

Disable workbook save but only allow save as with VBA code

Disable workbook save but only allow save as with VBA code

The following VBA code can help you to disable the Save function but only allow the Save as of a workbook.

1. Press Alt + F11 keys simultaneously to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.

2. In the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window, double click ThisWorkbook in the Project pane to open the ThisWorkbook (Code) window. Then copy and paste the below VBA code into the Code window.

VBA code: Only allow Save as in Excel

Private Sub Workbook_BeforeSave(ByVal SaveAsUI As Boolean, Cancel As Boolean)
    If Not SaveAsUI Then
        Cancel = True
        MsgBox "You cannot save this workbook. Use Save As", vbInformation, "Kutools for Excel"
    End If
End Sub

3. Press Alt + Q keys to close the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.

4. As the workbook contains VBA script, when saving the workbook, you will get the following dialog box first. Please click the Yes button.

5. Now a dialog box pops up to tell you the Save function in this workbook is disabled, you need to use the Save as function to save the updated data of this workbook.

Please click the OK button and go ahead to save the workbook with the Save as function.

Related articles:

• How to disable or do not allow Save & Save As options in Excel?
• How to insert or display last saved timestamp on worksheet in Excel?
• How to save just one worksheet in a workbook in Excel?