Using passwords in Excel can help protect sensitive data and restrict access to authorized users only. However, there may be times when you need to remove passwords from Excel files, like when sharing with others or if you forget the password yourself!
Removing Excel file passwords is easy once you know a few simple methods In this step-by-step beginner’s guide, we will cover how to
- Remove worksheet and workbook level passwords you know
- Reset forgotten passwords
- Eliminate file-level encryption
Follow along as we decrypt Excel files and break through password barriers for seamless file sharing and editing access!
Why Use Passwords in Excel?
Before learning removal techniques let’s briefly go over why you may want to password-protect Excel files in the first place
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Prevent unauthorized access – Passwords restrict file opening or editing to only people who know the password.
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Avoid accidental changes – By password-protecting certain cells or sheets you can prevent unwanted edits by others.
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Increase security – Sensitive financial data or personal information can be shielded from prying eyes.
Excel has various permission levels to balance protection with accessibility:
- File-level – Password required to even open the Excel file
- Workbook-level – Password to modify workbook structure
- Worksheet-level – Password to edit sheet contents
Now let’s get into how to remove these passwords when required!
Method 1: Eliminate Password from Excel File Properties
If you know the current password for a file, workbook, or worksheet, removing it is straightforward:
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Open the Excel file and enter the password when prompted.
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Go to the Review tab and click Unprotect Sheet or Unprotect Workbook.
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Enter the password again and click OK. This instantly removes protection.
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For file-level passwords, go to File > Info > Protect Workbook > Encrypt with Password and delete the password text.
That’s all it takes! This method gives you instant access if you already know the right password.
Method 2: Reset Password with ‘Save As’
The Save As method works even without the current password:
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Open the protected Excel file. Click OK without entering a password.
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Go to File > Save As and pick a new file name and location.
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Click Tools > General Options at the bottom.
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Delete any passwords listed in the pop-up window and click OK.
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Save the Excel file. The new copy will be unprotected!
This technique lets you bypass password requirements by creating a separate decrypted version of the file.
Method 3: Strip Password Protection with ZIP File Trick
Forgotten the password completely? Use this clever ZIP file trick:
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Locate the protected Excel file and change the file extension from
.xlsxto.zip. -
Open the ZIP file and go to
xl > worksheetsfolder. -
Copy the
sheet1.xmlfile for protected worksheets orworkbook.xmlfor protected workbook. -
Paste the copied XML file elsewhere and open it in Notepad.
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Press Ctrl + F and search for
passwordto find the protection XML tag. -
Delete the entire password tag line. Save and close.
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Paste the edited XML back into the ZIP, close it and change the extension to
.xlsx.
The file will now open without any password required! This method is your password reset savior.
Method 4: Unprotect Excel Sheet Without Password
If dealing with ZIP files makes you uneasy, use the Excel unprotection tools instead:
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In the protected Excel sheet, go to the Review tab.
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Click Unprotect Sheet > OK without entering a password.
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Immediately press Ctrl+C to copy the revealed sheet contents.
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Paste into a new Excel sheet with Ctrl+V.
While the copied data loses some formatting, you regain editing access to the decrypted content!
Method 5: Brute Force the Password
As a last resort, use password cracking software to brute force open the file:
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Download a password cracking tool like Passper for Excel.
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Import the protected Excel file into the software.
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Select the desired decryption approach (dictionary, brute force, etc.)
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Run the password cracking process and wait for the software to reveal the correct password.
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Use the cracked password to open the Excel file and remove protection.
It may take time, but software can run through countless password combinations to break open access.
Top Tips for Removing Excel Passwords
When eliminating Excel file passwords, keep these pointers in mind:
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Test unprotection before closing files to avoid losing access.
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The ZIP file method only works for sheet and workbook level, not file encryption.
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Keep backups before modifying file extensions in case of corruption.
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Save decrypted copies separately to retain original protected versions.
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Target password removal text carefully when editing XML inside ZIP files.
While Excel passwords help control access, removing them is simple with the techniques covered here. Whether you forgot the password or want to enable editing for recipients, you’re now equipped to easily decrypt those protected Excel files.
So don’t let lost passwords or other access issues stop your Excel sharing. Just tap into this beginner’s guide and start removing barriers to seamless file collaboration!
How to Remove Password Protection For Excel Workbook [Tutorial]
How to remove a password from an encrypted Excel file?
1. Open the encrypted Excel file for which you want to remove the password. 2. Enter the Excel password and click OK. 3. On the upper left corner of the opened Excel spreadsheet, click the File tab. 4. In the left-hand panel, click Info and Protect Workbook to open the drop-down menu. 5.
How do I remove a password from a workbook?
Open the workbook that you want to change or remove the password for. On the Review tab, click Protect Sheet or Protect Workbook. Click Unprotect Sheet or Protect Workbook and enter the password. Clicking Unprotect Sheet automatically removes the password from the sheet.
How to remove password in Excel?
1. Open the Excel file for which you want to remove the password. 2. Enter the Excel password, and then click OK. 3. On the upper left corner of the opened Excel spreadsheet, click the File tab and select Passwords from the drop-down list. 4. The File Passwords dialog box will appear, showing the encrypted password to open and edit the excel file.
How do I remove a password from a sheet?
On the Review tab, click Protect Sheet or Protect Workbook. Click Unprotect Sheet or Protect Workbook and enter the password. Clicking Unprotect Sheet automatically removes the password from the sheet. To add a new password, click Protect Sheet or Protect Workbook, type and confirm the new password, and then click OK.
