How to Remove Password Protect in Excel

Are you having trouble removing password protection in Microsoft Excel? Look no further. In this blog post, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to remove password protection in Excel, including both the password to open the file and the password to modify the workbook. Whether you’ve lost the password or simply need to remove it, our guide will help you regain access to your Excel file and get back to work.

Introduction

Microsoft Excel provides its users with two types of passwords to protect the workbook or worksheet from unauthorized access. A password to open a file restricts anyone from opening and viewing the content. In contrast, a password to modify a workbook restricts users from making any changes to the workbook or worksheet’s content. Although passwords provide data security, they can also lead to complications if you forget them or need to share files with a colleague. In this blog post, we will discuss how to remove password protection from Excel files and allow users to quickly access their content.

Method 1: Remove Password Protection for Excel

To remove password protection for Excel, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Open the Excel File

Open the Excel file that you wish to remove the password from by clicking on the file and then selecting “Open.”

Step 2: Access the File Tab

Navigate to the top left-hand corner of the Excel application window and click on the “File” tab.

Step 3: Select the “Info” Tab

Click on the “Info” tab located on the left side of the screen.

Step 4: Click on “Protect Workbook” and Select “Encrypt with Password”

Click on the “Protect Workbook” button located in the center of the screen and select “Encrypt with Password.”

Step 5: Delete the Password and Click “OK”

Delete the password in the “Password” field, leaving it blank, and click “OK.” This will remove the password from the Excel file.

Method 2: Remove Password Protection for Excel Workbook

If you have forgotten the password to modify an Excel workbook, you will need to take a different approach. Follow these steps to remove password protection for an Excel workbook:

Step 1: Open the Excel File

Open the Excel file that you want to remove the password from by clicking on the file and then selecting “Open.”

Step 2: Open XML File Contents in 7-Zip or another Unzip Program

Open the Excel file contents within the 7-Zip or another unzipping program to access the raw XML code and locate the “xl” folder within the zipped content.

Step 3: Edit XML Code

Open the “xl” folder and look for the “workbook.xml” file. Right-click on this file and select “Edit” to open the file in a text editor. Search for the tag “” and delete entire lines that include it.

Step 4: Save the Changes and Close the Workbook

Save the changes you made to the “workbook.xml” file and close the text editor. Close the Excel workbook, and you will now be able to open the Excel workbook without a password.

Removing password protection from Excel files and workbooks may seem like a daunting task. Still, with these simple steps, you can get back to work and manage your files effectively. Whether the file’s password was lost or you need to share the file with someone else, these methods provide an efficient process for eliminating password protection that can save time and prevent frustration. Remember to always store your passwords in a safe place to avoid losing access to your files in the future.

Tips to Remember:

Before we conclude this article, here are some tips to keep in mind while working with password-protected Excel files:

Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Always use strong and unique passwords while setting up a password for your Excel file. The password should not be easy to guess and should contain a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Store Passwords Safely

It is essential to store the passwords safely in a password manager or some other secure location. Writing passwords down on paper or storing them in an unencrypted document on your computer is not a safe practice.

Check Spellings and Caps Lock

While entering the password, make sure to check the spellings and caps lock status. Entering the password incorrectly even once will result in the password not being recognized.

Backup Your Files

Always backup your Excel files in a separate location, especially if they are password-protected. This ensures that even if you forget the password or something unexpected happens, your data will not be lost.

In conclusion, removing password protection from Excel files and workbooks may seem like a challenging task, but it is straightforward and can save a lot of time and frustration if done correctly. Remember to use strong passwords, backup your files, and store your passwords safely to avoid losing access to your files in the future. We hope our guide has been helpful, and you can now confidently remove password protection from your Excel files and workbooks.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about removing password protection in Excel:

Can I remove password protection from an Excel file that was protected in an older Excel version?

Yes, you can. Opening the password-protected file in the newer Excel versions will convert the workbook to the latest version, removing the password protection.

What if I don’t remember my password?

If you do not remember your Excel password, there are various online tools available that would help you recover it. However, we do not recommend using them as they can compromise your data security.

Can I remove password protection from a shared workbook?

Yes, you can remove the password protection from a shared workbook following the same steps as a regular workbook to remove the password protection. However, you need to unshare the workbook before doing so to enable editing.

What is the difference between the password for opening a file and the password to modify a workbook?

The password to open a file restricts access to the content within the file completely, while the password to modify a workbook restricts users from altering the content within the workbook. The password to modify the workbook does not prevent users from accessing or viewing the workbook.

What should I do if I have forgotten the password to modify an Excel workbook?

If you have forgotten the password to modify an Excel workbook, you can use the second method discussed in this article to remove the password protection.