Summary: Excel spreadsheets are commonly used to store information such as reports, numbers, or various business data. It provides an option by which users can secure their sheets using some sort of a password
But when you forget that password, you may not be able to edit the sheet. In this guide, we will look at a few simple ways to recover access to a password-protected Excel sheet.
Also Read: How to Unprotect Excel Workbook without Password?
Why Is My Excel Sheet Password Protected?
Excel lets you protect a worksheet so that other people cannot make unwanted changes to the data. You can still view the sheet, but usually can’t perform any editing actions. Read the following reasons behind this recovery:
- To avoid accidental changes to any necessary data
- In order to protect your formulas stored in your sheet
- To ensure business reports stay away from any unwanted access
- Set a control like which cells others can modify or not
- This is done to organize your important spreadsheet data
Can I Recover a Password Protected Excel Sheet?
Yes, but the method depends on the type of protection used on the Excel file.
Excel supports different types of protection. Worksheet protection stops users from changing the contents of a sheet. By protecting your workbook content, you can prevent the structure from changing. On the other hand, putting a password to open the entire Excel file is a different security.
That’s why it is very important to know the type of protection before applying any methods for recovery.
How to Recover Excel Password Protected Sheets? Manual Tricks
If you have forgotten your worksheet password, you can try the following method to open your Excel files.
Method 1. Check Your Saved Passwords
To begin with, you should see if you have saved the password somewhere. This is the basic option that doesn’t require you to do anything with your Excel file. Now, check the following locations:
- Your password manager
- Private notes or written records
- Some old emails or text messages
- Company records of passwords
- An old version of your Excel file
If you get the password, then you can use this to open your Excel Workbook and remove the protection from your spreadsheets.
Method 2. View Your Old Version of the Excel Workbook
There could be times when you have a previous version of the workbook that lacks the protection features. This is because you consistently make back-up copies or share various file versions. For that, check your:
- Backup folders
- External drives
- Cloud storage
- Email attachments
- Earlier versions of such Excel files
In this case, you can refer to the old copy to find all the required information.
Method 3. Use Excel’s Built-in Option to Unprotect
If you can recall the password, then you can easily remove the protection directly from Excel files.
- Open the Excel workbook.
- Inside that, visit any protected worksheet file.
- Go to the Review tab.
- Click Unprotect Sheet.
- Enter the password.
- Click OK.
Now, Excel will remove the protection, if the given password is correct. Then, you can edit the worksheet again. However, this method will not work if you can’t remember or enter the wrong password.
What If I Forgot the Excel Sheet Password?
If you have tried multiple basic options and still cannot edit the worksheet. Then, just go with our expert solution given below.
Professional Way to Quickly Recover an Excel Password
If you have an important Excel file that is password-protected and you have forgotten the password. Then, simply go with SysTools Excel Password Recovery tool. It will automatically recover the right password from the specified Excel files instead of relying on people to guess different passwords on their own.
When to choose:
- If you don’t remember your Excel file password
- Users need to access an important protected workbook
- You have to manage several protected Excel files
- Simplify the password recovery task
Just make sure that you have the permission to access and recover the password from the Excel file.
Important Tips Before Recovering an Excel Password
Keep these points in mind before trying to recover or remove Excel protection:
- Always back up the original Excel file.
- Work on a copy if the workbook contains important data.
- Just make sure to have full permission to access the protected Excel file.
- Check if you have forgotten the password to the sheet or opening the file.
- Never use unknown tools that could expose your Excel data.
- Save the recovered file in a secure path location.
What Is the Difference Between Excel Sheet Protection and File Password?
Knowing the type of protection, it is important because each one works differently.
Sheet Protection:
This stops working on protected cells and doing something with parts of the worksheet. However, you can access the file and still have the permission to open it.
Workbook Protection:
Protection is generally enabled to the entire workbook. For example, you will not be able to add, delete, move, and rename worksheets.
File-Opening Password:
You need the password before opening an Excel file. In some cases, users can’t even access the files.
Start by deciding what kind of password you forgot. This will help you select the correct method and save you time.
Conclusion
If you experience the frustration of forgetting your password to an Excel sheet, then you’re not alone. The first step is to look for your password in either the saved passwords, backup files, or recall an older version of your workbook. If you remember the password, you may eliminate the sheet protection using Excel’s built-in features.
In case you don’t remember your password anymore, we have our professional solution for you to help you retrieve passwords from supported Excel documents. Before you start the process, make sure you have a backup of the original file and that you have the right to access it.
