This feature isn’t necessarily hidden, but it’s not exactly obvious either.

So, let’s look at how to block authors in Microsoft Word.

Go to the “Review” tab and poke the “Protect” drop-down menu.

Block Authors on the Protect tab in Word

You’ll then see an icon and indicator next to your text.

If they attempt to edit any of the protected portions, they won’t be able to.

Text blocked from editing in Word

Text blocked from editing in Word for the web

Unblock authors in Word on Windows

Unblock authors in Word on Mac

Release All of My Blocked Areas in Word on Windows