Excel is used by millions of people for its advantageous features. However, when an Excel file is password-protected, it can be frustrating and daunting to access, modify or edit it. Password-protected Excel files are a common scenario, and losing the password can mean losing important data.
In this blog post, we’ll go through a few methods that can help you remove password protection on Excel with ease, and without any stress.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Removing Password Protection from an Excel File
Password protected Excel files are meant to restrict access to unauthorized personnel. However, whenever a person forgets the password, or gets an existing file from another party, the file becomes a challenge.
The nature of Excel was to protect the data, and you cannot remove the password protection instantly without the use of specific tools or methods.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before getting started, ensure the following:
- Excel software is installed on the computer or device you intend to use
- You have access to the problematic file that is password-protected.
- Remember, removing the password-protection of a file may take time, so be patient and ensure that you have enough time to restore access to the file
Method 1: Remove Password Protection on Excel via a ZIP Tool
Many ZIP tools can remove password-protection from an Excel file. Here’s how to do it:
- Create a copy of the locked Excel file on your computer
- Change the file type of the copy to Zip
- Open the ZIP archive tool
- Open the copied Excel file with the ZIP archive tool
- Delete the "sheetProtection" entry on ZIP archive tool having the extension of ".xml"
- Save the copied Excel file
- Change the file type of the copy back to an Excel worksheet
- You can now open the unprotected file on Excel
Pros:
- Can be performed with any ZIP tool
- Not required any technical knowledge
Cons:
- It may be difficult for users with no experience using ZIP tools
- This may modify the data on the Excel sheet, making it lose its appearance
Method 2: Remove Password Protection on Excel via VBA
It is possible to remove password-protection on Excel using Visual Basic for Applications. Here’s how:
- Read the target Excel file using VBA
- Remove the password protection
- Save the newly unprotected file to the desired location on your computer
Pros:
- Retains the Excel file’s properties as is
- Relatively quick process
Cons:
- Requires knowledge of VBA programming
Method 3: Remove Password Protection on Excel via Passper for Excel
Passper for Excel is a software tool designed for the specific purpose of removing password protection on Excel. Let’s go through the 3 steps required:
- Download and launch Passper for Excel on your computer
- Select the Excel file to remove the password-protection, then click "Remove"
- The password-protection is removed, then Save the file with any name or location you prefer
Pros:
- Fast and efficient process.
- Comes with more advanced settings
Cons:
- Requires financial investments
Why Can’t I Remove Password Protection?
Some reasons you might be unable to remove password protection include the following:
1. File corruption:
A corrupted Excel file can’t be read on most devices. The best solution is to recover it with a recovery tool. Try Passper 4WinKey or ExcelFix Excel File Recovery tool.
Fixes:
Run a recovery tool, and if that fails, try the next solution: Make a copy of the corrupted file, save it with a different filename, then try applying the methods again.
2. Excel file already open:
An Excel file that is already open cannot be modified using any of the methods. Check if another user has opened the file.
Fixes:
Close the file on all computers that are opened then try any of the three methods again.
3. An unknown error occurred:
An unknown error can occur while applying any of the methods above.
Fixes:
Try using a different Excel file and apply the methods again.
Additional Tips
Make sure to have a backup of any file in case of unforeseen events. Also, to avoid password-protection restrictions, avoid setting complex passwords on the Excel sheet. Use easy and memorable passwords.
5 FAQs about Removing Password Protection from Excel
Q1: Does the Passper for Excel method require an internet connection?
A: No, the Passper for Excel method does not require internet connection as it is installed on the device.
Q2: I do not want to spend on Passper for Excel; are there open-source Excel password removers?
A: Yes, some ZIP tools can remove password-protection from Excel files.
Q3: Can I remove password protection on my device without Excel installed?
A: It is impossible to remove password-protection on an Excel file if it is not installed on your device.
Q4: Is there a downside to using Passper for Excel?
A: Passper for Excel requires financial investment to use.
Q5: What happens if I forget a password on the Passper for Excel method?
A: Passper for Excel comes with a "Forgot Password" option that helps to recover the password.
In Conclusion
Excel files are no longer difficult to access after password-protection. While there are multiple ways of removing password-protection on Excel files, it is important to be patient and ensure that you have enough time to remove the protection regardless of the method chosen. It is also essential to copy and backup the data in case of any unforeseen events.