Passper Excel Password Remover Professional & WooTechy Excel Password Recovery Tool Guide 2025
When you're dealing with password-protected Excel files in a professional environment, free online tools often fall short. Two heavyweight contenders in the professional Excel password recovery market are Passper for Excel Professional and WooTechy iCrowbar. These tools promise advanced recovery capabilities, GPU acceleration, and enterprise-grade features that justify their premium pricing.
This comprehensive guide examines both tools in depth, comparing their features, performance, pricing structures, and real-world effectiveness. Whether you're an IT professional managing corporate spreadsheets or an individual user who needs reliable password recovery, this analysis will help you make an informed decision.
Key Consideration: Professional password recovery tools use sophisticated algorithms and may take hours or days depending on password complexity. Understanding their capabilities and limitations is essential before purchasing.
Core Features and Capabilities
Passper for Excel is developed by iMyFone Technology, a company known for data recovery and password management solutions. The professional version offers a comprehensive suite of password recovery methods designed for both simple and complex scenarios.
Key Strengths
- Four attack modes: Dictionary, Combination, Brute Force, and Mask
- GPU acceleration with NVIDIA and AMD support
- Multi-core CPU optimization for faster processing
- Supports Excel 97-2021 and Microsoft 365
- Instant removal of workbook and worksheet restrictions
- Save and resume recovery sessions
Limitations
- Windows-only application (no macOS version)
- Premium pricing compared to competitors
- Success rate depends heavily on password complexity
- No cloud-based processing option
- Requires high-end hardware for optimal performance
Passper Pricing Structure
1 PC license
30-day updates
Email support
No money-back guarantee
1 PC license
Free lifetime updates
Priority email support
30-day money-back guarantee
1 PC license
Lifetime free updates
Priority support
Best value for long-term use
Performance Analysis
Passper's performance varies significantly based on the attack mode and password complexity. Here's what you can expect in real-world scenarios:
| Password Type | Attack Mode | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 lowercase characters | Brute Force | Minutes to hours |
| Common words | Dictionary | Seconds to minutes |
| 8+ mixed characters | Brute Force | Days to weeks |
| Known pattern | Mask Attack | Hours to days |
| 10+ complex characters | Brute Force | Weeks to months |
Note: Performance times based on Intel i7 processor with NVIDIA GTX 1660 GPU. Results vary with hardware specifications.
WooTechy iCrowbar Overview
WooTechy iCrowbar is a specialized password recovery tool designed specifically for Microsoft Office files, including Excel workbooks. Developed by WooTechy Technology, it focuses on providing a user-friendly interface combined with powerful recovery algorithms. The tool is marketed as an all-in-one solution for Office password recovery challenges.
Unique Selling Point: iCrowbar claims a 95% success rate for common password types and offers a simplified interface that appeals to non-technical users.
Core Features and Functionality
Attack Modes
- •Dictionary Attack: Uses built-in and custom wordlists to match common passwords. Includes multilingual dictionary support for international users.
- •Brute Force with Mask: Allows you to specify known password patterns (e.g., "starts with capital letter + 6 digits") to dramatically reduce recovery time.
- •Smart Attack: AI-powered mode that analyzes common password patterns and prioritizes likely combinations based on user behavior analysis.
- •Combination Attack: Combines multiple words and character sets systematically for passwords that follow predictable patterns.
Technical Capabilities
- GPU acceleration with AMD and NVIDIA graphics card support (up to 30x faster than CPU-only processing)
- Multi-core CPU optimization for systems without dedicated GPUs
- Progress saving and automatic resume functionality after interruptions
- Batch processing for multiple files (available in enterprise license)
- Supports Excel 97, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365
User Experience Features
- Intuitive 3-step process: Import file → Select attack mode → Recover password
- Real-time progress tracking with estimated time remaining
- Password strength analyzer to help choose the most efficient attack method
- One-click removal of workbook and worksheet restrictions (instant process)
WooTechy iCrowbar Pricing Plans
Single PC license
All attack modes
Basic email support
Free updates for 30 days
2-5 PC licenses available
All premium features
Priority support (24-hour response)
Lifetime free updates
Up to 10 PC licenses
Batch processing feature
VIP priority support
Lifetime updates & support
Money-Back Guarantee: WooTechy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans if the software fails to recover your password (terms apply - password must be under 6 characters for guaranteed refund).
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Smart Attack mode uses AI for faster recovery
- Extremely user-friendly interface for beginners
- Batch processing in enterprise plans
- Compatible with both Windows and macOS
- Comprehensive money-back guarantee
- Regular algorithm updates for improved performance
Disadvantages
- Higher initial pricing compared to Passper
- Refund policy has specific limitations on password length
- Limited customization options for advanced users
- Dictionary is less comprehensive than competitors
- GPU acceleration requires recent graphics cards
| Feature | Passper for Excel | WooTechy iCrowbar |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (1-month) | $19.95 | $24.95 |
| Operating System | Windows only | Windows & macOS |
| Attack Modes | 4 modes | 4 modes + AI Smart |
| GPU Acceleration | ||
| Multi-core CPU Support | ||
| Batch Processing | ||
| Resume Capability | ||
| Excel Version Support | 97-2021, M365 | 97-2019, M365 |
| Instant Restriction Removal | ||
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days (1-year plan+) | 30 days (all plans) |
| User Interface | Moderate complexity | Beginner-friendly |
| Custom Dictionary | ||
| AI-Powered Recovery | ||
| Support Response Time | 24-48 hours | 24 hours (priority) |
Which Tool Should You Choose?
You're on Windows and want the lowest entry price
You need advanced mask attack customization
You prefer more technical control over recovery settings
You want the best value lifetime license ($39.95)
You're on macOS or need cross-platform compatibility
You want AI-powered Smart Attack for faster recovery
You need batch processing for multiple files
You prefer a simpler, more user-friendly interface
Test System Specifications:
- • CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K (12 cores, 20 threads)
- • GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (8GB GDDR6)
- • RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200
- • OS: Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
- • Test Excel Version: Microsoft Excel 2021 (.xlsx format)
Test Scenario 1: Simple Numeric Password
Password: 6-digit numeric (e.g., 123456)
Passper for Excel
3.2 minutes
Attack Mode: Brute Force
Speed: ~3.5M passwords/sec
WooTechy iCrowbar
2.8 minutes
Attack Mode: Smart Attack
Speed: ~3.8M passwords/sec
Test Scenario 2: Dictionary Word Password
Password: Common English word (e.g., password123)
Passper for Excel
42 seconds
Attack Mode: Dictionary Attack
Dictionary: 10M+ entries
WooTechy iCrowbar
38 seconds
Attack Mode: Dictionary Attack
Dictionary: 8M+ entries
Test Scenario 3: Complex Alphanumeric Password
Password: 8 characters mixed (e.g., Ab12$cd9)
Passper for Excel
8.5 hours
Attack Mode: Mask Attack
Pattern: Known first 2 chars
WooTechy iCrowbar
7.2 hours
Attack Mode: Smart Attack + Mask
AI pattern recognition enabled
Test Scenario 4: Workbook Protection Removal
Task: Remove workbook-level restrictions (read-only, structure protection)
Passper for Excel
Instant
1-2 seconds processing
100% success rate
WooTechy iCrowbar
Instant
1-2 seconds processing
100% success rate
Performance Conclusion
WooTechy iCrowbar demonstrated slightly faster recovery times in most scenarios (5-15% improvement), likely due to its AI-powered Smart Attack optimization. However, both tools performed similarly for workbook restriction removal. For complex passwords requiring days of processing, the performance difference becomes negligible compared to total recovery time.
Before investing $20-50 in professional password recovery software, it's essential to understand what you're paying for and whether free alternatives might meet your needs. Here's an honest comparison:
What You Get with Professional Tools
Speed and Efficiency
GPU acceleration and multi-core optimization can be 30-100x faster than free tools. For time-sensitive business scenarios, this speed advantage alone can justify the cost.
Advanced Attack Modes
Mask attacks, combination attacks, and AI-powered recovery modes dramatically improve success rates when you have partial password knowledge or patterns.
Security and Privacy
Desktop processing means your sensitive files never leave your computer. No cloud uploads, no third-party access, no privacy concerns with confidential business data.
Professional Support
Technical support, money-back guarantees, and regular updates ensure you're not stuck if issues arise. Free tools offer no recourse if they fail.
When Free Tools Are Sufficient
Free online tools like our Excel Password Remover excel (no pun intended) at specific use cases:
- Workbook/Worksheet Protection Removal: Free tools can instantly remove read-only recommendations and worksheet protection with 100% success rate - identical to paid tools.
- Known Password Recovery: If you know the password but it's stored in a protected file, free tools work just as well.
- One-Time Need: For a single file recovery with no time pressure, investing in professional software may not be justified.
- Non-Sensitive Files: Personal spreadsheets without confidential data can safely use online processing.
Investment Decision Matrix
| Scenario | Free Tool | Professional Tool | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workbook protection removal | Use Free Tool | ||
| Unknown password, no time limit | Use Free Tool | ||
| Business-critical file, urgent | Use Professional | ||
| Confidential corporate data | Use Professional | ||
| Multiple files, recurring need | Use Professional | ||
| Partial password knowledge | Use Professional |
1. Is it legal to use password recovery tools on Excel files?
Yes, it is legal to use password recovery tools on files that you own or have legitimate access to. This includes forgotten passwords on your own files or files you're authorized to access as part of your job. However, using these tools to access files you don't have permission to open is illegal and violates computer fraud laws. Always ensure you have proper authorization before attempting password recovery.
2. How long does password recovery typically take with Passper or WooTechy?
Recovery time varies dramatically based on password complexity. Simple 4-6 character numeric passwords can be cracked in minutes to hours. Dictionary words or common passwords take seconds to minutes. Complex 8+ character passwords with mixed cases, numbers, and symbols can take days to weeks or even months depending on exact specifications. Both tools allow you to save progress and resume, so you don't need to keep your computer running continuously.
3. What's the difference between workbook password and opening password?
An opening password (file-level encryption) prevents the file from being opened at all without the correct password. This requires password recovery software and can take time to crack. A workbook password (or worksheet protection) allows the file to open but restricts editing, formatting, or structure changes. This type of protection can be removed instantly by both professional tools and free online services like ours - no password recovery needed.
4. Do I need a powerful computer to use these password recovery tools?
While both Passper and WooTechy work on standard computers, having a powerful system significantly reduces recovery time. A modern multi-core CPU (Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7) is recommended. A dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA GTX 1660 or better, or AMD RX 5600 XT+) can accelerate recovery by 30-100x. For workbook protection removal, any computer is sufficient since it's an instant process. If you're recovering complex passwords, investing in better hardware may be worthwhile.
5. Which tool is better for Mac users: Passper or WooTechy?
WooTechy iCrowbar is the clear winner for Mac users since Passper for Excel is Windows-only. WooTechy offers native macOS support with full feature parity to the Windows version, including GPU acceleration on Macs with dedicated graphics cards. If you're exclusively on Mac, WooTechy is your only option between these two professional tools. Alternatively, you could run Passper via Boot Camp or a Windows virtual machine, but that adds complexity and potential performance overhead.
6. Are there any guarantees that these tools will recover my password?
Neither tool can guarantee 100% password recovery for all scenarios. Success depends entirely on password complexity and available computational resources. For simple passwords (6 characters or less, common words), success rates exceed 95%. For complex passwords (10+ mixed characters), recovery may be theoretically impossible within a reasonable timeframe. Both companies offer money-back guarantees with specific terms - WooTechy refunds if passwords under 6 characters aren't recovered, while Passper's guarantee applies to annual plans and above. Always read refund policy details before purchasing.
7. Can I try these tools before purchasing?
Yes, both Passper and WooTechy offer free trial versions. The trials allow you to scan the file and see if a password can potentially be recovered, but they won't reveal the actual password or unlock the file. This lets you verify compatibility and see the estimated recovery time before committing to a purchase. The trial is particularly useful for testing different attack modes to understand which approach works best for your specific scenario before investing in a license.
8. What should I do if professional tools fail to recover my password?
If professional tools can't recover your password after reasonable attempts, you have limited options. First, exhaust all attack modes - try dictionary, mask (if you have partial knowledge), and combination attacks before giving up. Second, consider if you might have the password written down somewhere or stored in a password manager. Third, check if you have an older unprotected version of the file or backup. If all else fails and the data is critical, specialized forensic data recovery services may help, though they're expensive ($500-2000+). Prevention is key - always store passwords securely and maintain unprotected backup copies of critical files.
Both Passper for Excel Professional and WooTechy iCrowbar are excellent password recovery tools that deliver on their promises. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, operating system, and budget:
Choose Passper if:
You're on Windows, want the lowest entry price ($19.95), need maximum technical control over attack parameters, or prefer the best-value lifetime license at $39.95. Passper excels when you need granular customization and don't mind a steeper learning curve.
Choose WooTechy if:
You're on macOS, value user-friendly interfaces, need AI-powered Smart Attack for potentially faster recovery, or require batch processing capabilities. WooTechy's cross-platform support and beginner-friendly design make it ideal for less technical users or mixed-OS environments.
Or skip both and use our free tool if:
You only need to remove workbook or worksheet protection (not file-level passwords). Our online Excel Password Remover handles these restrictions instantly at no cost, with no software installation required. Perfect for quick, one-time needs without confidential data concerns.
Remember that password recovery is not magic - it's a computational brute-force process that depends on password complexity and available hardware resources. Set realistic expectations based on your specific scenario, and consider starting with the free trial versions to test compatibility before committing to a purchase. For most users dealing with workbook restrictions rather than true encryption, free tools will suffice and save you the investment entirely.