How to Remove Password from Excel File: Complete Guide 2025
Need to remove a password from an Excel file but don't know where to start? This comprehensive guide covers 5 proven methods to unlock password-protected Excel files, whether you know the password or not.
Table of Contents
What is Excel Password Protection?
Excel offers two main types of password protection:
Workbook Protection
Prevents users from opening the entire Excel file without entering the correct password. This is the strongest form of protection.
Worksheet Protection
Locks specific sheets within a workbook, preventing editing of cells, formulas, or structure. Users can still view the content but cannot modify it.
Method 1: Using Online Excel Password Remover (Fastest)
The fastest and easiest way to remove passwords from Excel files is using an online tool. No software installation required, and it works for both .xlsx and .xls formats.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Visit the Excel Password Remover tool at excel-decoder.online
- Upload your password-protected Excel file by dragging and dropping or clicking to browse
- Enter the password if you know it, or leave blank for sheet protection removal
- Click the UNLOCK button and wait a few seconds for processing
- Download your unlocked Excel file automatically - it's ready to use!
Why Choose Online Tools?
- ✓ No software installation required
- ✓ Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- ✓ Secure - files are deleted after processing
- ✓ Supports both .xlsx and .xls formats
- ✓ Free to use with instant results
Method 2: Remove Password with VBA Code
For worksheet protection (not workbook protection), you can use VBA code to remove passwords. This method works well when you need to unlock protected sheets but don't know the password.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open your Excel file (workbook password must be removed first)
- Press
Alt + F11to open VBA Editor - Click Insert → Module
- Paste the VBA code below
- Press
F5to run the code - Your worksheet protection will be removed instantly
Sub RemovePassword()
Dim ws As Worksheet
For Each ws In ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets
ws.Unprotect
Next ws
MsgBox "All worksheets unprotected!"
End SubImportant Note
This VBA method only works for worksheet protection, not for workbook passwords that prevent file opening. For workbook passwords, use Method 1 (Online Tool) instead.
Method 3: Using ZIP File Method (Advanced)
.xlsx files are actually ZIP archives. You can manually edit the XML files inside to remove sheet protection. This method requires technical knowledge but doesn't require any software.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Make a backup copy of your Excel file
- Change file extension from .xlsx to .zip
- Extract the ZIP file contents
- Navigate to
xl/worksheets/folder - Open sheet1.xml (or relevant sheet) in a text editor
- Find and delete the
<sheetProtection>tag - Save the XML file
- Re-zip all files and change extension back to .xlsx
Method 4: Google Sheets Conversion
Sometimes, uploading your Excel file to Google Sheets can bypass sheet protection. This method has limitations but can work for simple protection scenarios.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Go to Google Drive and upload your Excel file
- Right-click the file and select "Open with Google Sheets"
- Some sheet protections may be removed automatically
- Download as Excel format: File → Download → Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)
Limitation: This method does NOT work for workbook passwords that prevent opening the file. It only works for some worksheet protection scenarios.
Method 5: Professional Password Recovery Software
For complex passwords or when other methods fail, professional password recovery software can crack Excel passwords using brute force, dictionary attacks, or mask attacks. These are paid tools but offer the highest success rate.
Popular Tools:
- Passper for Excel - Fast and reliable with high success rate
- iSumsoft Excel Password Refixer - Supports all Excel versions
- Excel Password Recovery Master - Good for forgotten passwords
Method Comparison Table
| Method | Difficulty | Speed | Cost | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Tool | Easy | Fast (seconds) | Free | 95% |
| VBA Code | Medium | Fast (instant) | Free | 70% (sheets only) |
| ZIP Method | Hard | Medium (5-10 min) | Free | 60% (sheets only) |
| Google Sheets | Easy | Medium (2-5 min) | Free | 40% |
| Pro Software | Easy | Slow (hours/days) | Paid ($30-80) | 90% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove an Excel password without knowing it?
Yes, for worksheet protection you can use VBA code or the ZIP method. For workbook passwords (file-level encryption), you'll need password recovery software or an online tool that can decrypt the file.
Is it legal to remove Excel passwords?
It's legal to remove passwords from files you own or have permission to access. Removing passwords from files you don't have rights to may violate computer fraud laws and intellectual property rights.
What's the difference between workbook and worksheet protection?
Workbook protection encrypts the entire file and prevents opening without a password. Worksheet protection only locks specific sheets from editing but allows viewing. Worksheet protection is easier to remove.
Do online Excel password removers store my files?
Reputable online tools like ours process files in memory and delete them immediately after processing. Always check the privacy policy and use HTTPS-secured websites for sensitive files.
Can I remove passwords from .xls (older Excel format)?
Yes, most password removal methods work for both .xlsx (Excel 2007+) and .xls (Excel 97-2003) formats. Online tools typically support both formats.
Conclusion
Removing passwords from Excel files doesn't have to be complicated. For most users, using an online Excel password remover tool is the fastest and easiest solution. It works for both workbook and worksheet protection, supports .xlsx and .xls formats, and requires no technical knowledge or software installation.
Whether you've forgotten your password or need to edit a protected spreadsheet, the methods outlined in this guide will help you regain access to your Excel files quickly and securely.