Forgot Excel Password? 7 Recovery Solutions That Work

Why Forgot Excel Password Happens (And It's More Common Than You Think)

Forgetting Excel passwords is surprisingly common. Here are the main reasons why it happens:

Method 1: Online Password Recovery Tools (Fastest Solution)

Online password recovery tools are the fastest and easiest solution when you've forgotten your Excel password. These services can unlock files with or without knowing the password.

How Online Recovery Tools Work

• Detect the type of password protection (workbook vs worksheet)
• Use decryption algorithms to remove workbook-level encryption
• Bypass worksheet protection without brute force attacks
• Preserve all data, formulas, and formatting

Step-by-Step: Using Excel-Decoder.Online

1. Visit the tool at excel-decoder.online (works on any device)
2. Upload your Excel file - drag and drop or click to browse
3. Leave password field blank if you've forgotten it completely
4. Click UNLOCK - processing takes 2-3 seconds
5. Download your recovered file - fully accessible with no password

Method 2: Try Common Passwords First

Before trying advanced methods, attempt these common password patterns. Many users follow predictable password creation habits.

Password Patterns to Try

Method 3: VBA Code for Worksheet Protection

If you forgot the password for worksheet protection (not workbook encryption), VBA code can unlock sheets instantly. This method requires the file to be openable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open your Excel file (workbook must not be password-protected)
2. Press Alt + F11 to open VBA Editor
3. Click Insert → Module
4. Copy and paste the code below
5. Press F5 to run
6. All worksheet protection will be removed

Sub RecoverWorksheetPassword()
    Dim ws As Worksheet
    Dim i As Integer, j As Integer, k As Integer
    Dim l As Integer, m As Integer, n As Integer
    Dim password As String

    On Error Resume Next
    For Each ws In ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets
        For i = 65 To 66
            For j = 65 To 66
                For k = 65 To 66
                    For l = 65 To 66
                        For m = 65 To 66
                            For n = 65 To 66
                                password = Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & _
                                          Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(n)
                                ws.Unprotect password
                                If Not ws.ProtectContents Then
                                    MsgBox "Password found: " & password
                                    Exit Sub
                                End If
                            Next n
                        Next m
                    Next l
                Next k
            Next j
        Next i
    Next ws
End Sub

Method 4: ZIP File XML Editing (Technical)

.xlsx files are ZIP archives containing XML files. You can manually remove worksheet protection by editing the XML. This requires technical comfort with file structures.

Detailed Process

1. Create a backup copy of your Excel file
2. Change file extension from .xlsx to .zip
3. Extract the ZIP contents to a folder
4. Navigate to xl/worksheets/
5. Open sheet1.xml (or relevant sheet) in Notepad or text editor
6. Find and delete entire <sheetProtection .../> tag
7. Save the XML file
8. Select all extracted files, compress to ZIP
9. Rename back to .xlsx extension
10. Open in Excel - protection removed!

Method 5: Password Recovery Software

Professional password recovery software uses brute force, dictionary, and mask attacks to crack forgotten passwords. Effective but time-consuming and expensive.

Popular Recovery Software

Method 6: Hex Editor Method (Very Advanced)

For .xls (older Excel format), you can use hex editors to modify password verification bytes. This method requires advanced technical knowledge and is NOT recommended for beginners.

Method 7: Professional Data Recovery Services

For business-critical files with extremely complex passwords, professional data recovery services offer expert assistance. These services employ advanced techniques and forensic tools.

When to Consider Professional Services

• File contains irreplaceable business data worth thousands of dollars
• All other methods have failed
• Password is extremely complex (20+ characters with random symbols)
• Legal or compliance requirements for data recovery
• Need certified recovery with documentation

Success Rates & When to Use Each Method

* Only for worksheet protection, not workbook encryption

Prevention: Never Forget Excel Passwords Again

Preventing forgotten passwords is easier than recovering them. Implement these strategies to never lose access again:

Frequently Asked Questions