Turn the option to edit directly in cells on or off

By default, the option to edit directly in cells is turned on in Excel so that you can edit the contents of a cell directly in the cell. When you turn this option off, you can edit the contents of cells only in the formula bar.

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Excel Options.

2. In the Advanced category, under Editing options, select or clear the Allow editing directly in cells check box to turn in-cell editing on or off.