How to Remove Password in Excel

If you have forgotten the password for an Excel Spreadsheet, there is no need to worry. Removing the password in Excel can seem like a daunting task, but it is actually a straightforward process. The password protection feature in Excel allows users to secure and protect their data from unauthorized access. However, there may be situations where removing the password becomes necessary. This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to remove password in Excel without any hassle.

Introduction

Excel is a powerful tool that allows you to create complex worksheets, tables, and charts to organize, analyze, and visualize large amounts of information. However, when you password-protect your spreadsheets, they become inaccessible without the right credentials. If you have forgotten the password or want to share the spreadsheet, you need to remove the password protection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Password in Excel

Step 1: Open the Password-Protected Spreadsheet

Open Microsoft Excel and the password-protected spreadsheet, which will ask for a password to unlock it. Enter the password to unlock the sheet.

Step 2: Remove the Password Protection

Once the sheet is open, click on the File menu at the top-left corner of the screen, and select Info from the options. Then, click on the Protect Workbook button and select Encrypt with Password.

Step 3: Delete the Secret Code

A dialog box named Password will appear, displaying random characters. Delete all the characters from the text box and hit Enter or click Ok.

Step 4: Save Changes

Save the changes by clicking on the Save button, and the newly saved spreadsheet will no longer require a password to open and modify.

Alternatively, you can also follow these steps to remove password protection:

Step 1: Use ZIP Utility to Unzip the File

First, rename the .xlsx extension of the password-protected spreadsheet to .zip. Then, right-click on the .zip file and select Extract All or Unzip to extract the contents of the Excel file.

Step 2: Edit the XML File

Open the extracted folder and located the XML file named workbook.xml. Right-click on the file and select Edit to open it in the text editor. Then, locate the line that says and delete it. Save the changes and close the file.

Step 3: Zip the Contents Again

Now, select all the files and folders in the extracted folder and right-click on them. Select Send To and then click on Compressed (zipped) Folder to create a zipped folder. Rename the folder to the original .xlsx extension.

Step 4: Open the Unprotected File

When you try to open the newly created file, it will no longer ask for a password, and you will be able to access and edit the document.

Whether you want to remove the password protection from your Excel worksheet or workbook, it is an easy and straightforward process. By following these simple steps, you can easily remove the password protection and gain access to your data. Remember to always keep track of your passwords in a secure location to avoid losing access to your important documents.

Why Remove Password Protection in Excel?

There are various reasons why you may want to remove password protection from Excel worksheets or workbooks. Some of the most common reasons are:

• Forgotten password: You may have set a password long ago and forgotten it, making it impossible to access the worksheets or workbooks.
• Sharing with others: Excel worksheets and workbooks often require collaboration with others, and password protection may cause inconvenience and frustration for everyone involved.
• Switching devices: If you have previously saved the password-protected workbook on one device and need to access it on another device, removing the password may be necessary.

How to Avoid Forgetting Your Password in Excel

Once you remove the password protection from your Excel workbook or worksheet, it’s vital to avoid forgetting your password next time you decide to secure it. The following tips will help you remember your password:

• Use a password manager: Password managers are excellent tools for securely storing all your passwords in one place.
• Create strong passwords: Create complex passwords that are difficult for anyone to guess but easy for you to remember. Avoid using dictionary words and instead use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Write it down: If you must, write down your password and store it in a secure location that only you can access.

Final Word

Removing password protection from Excel sheets and workbooks can seem intimidating, but it’s a simple process that can be done quickly and easily. Whether you’ve forgotten your password, need to collaborate with others, or want to switch devices, you can follow the steps outlined in this guide to remove the password successfully.

Remember, when it comes to password protection, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Take caution when sharing your documents with others and use strong passwords to protect your valuable data.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that people may have about removing password protection in Excel.

Can I remove password protection from a shared Excel file?

Yes, you can remove password protection from a shared Excel file by following the same steps outlined in this guide. However, keep in mind that removing password protection means anyone with access to the file can open and edit it, so ensure that you trust all the individuals you’ve shared it with.

Can I remove password protection from an Excel file without knowing the password?

No, you cannot remove password protection from an Excel file without knowing the password. Excel’s password protection feature is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the document, so if you forget the password or do not know it, removing the password protection will not be possible without cracking the password which is not recommended.

Is it safe to use an online tool to remove password protection from Excel files?

No, it is not advisable to use online tools to remove password protection from Excel files. Although some tools claim to remove password protection quickly and easily, they can be dangerous and may cause permanent data loss or damage to your computer. Therefore, it is best to use the built-in Excel feature or a reputable third-party software application.

Can I remove password protection from an Excel file on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, you can remove password protection from an Excel file on your smartphone or tablet if you have the Excel app installed. The steps for removing password protection will vary depending on your device and operating system, but the overall process is similar to that of a Desktop Computer.

What if the password-protected Excel file is read-only?

If the password-protected Excel file is read-only, you will not be able to remove the password protection directly. However, you can save a copy of the workbook or worksheet under a new name, and then remove the password protection from the new file. Once the password protection is removed from the new file, you can save it under the original file name, and the new version will no longer have read-only protection.