XLS Password Remover & Spreadsheet Password Remover Guide 2025
Need to unlock legacy XLS files or remove passwords from various spreadsheet formats? This comprehensive guide covers the best XLS password removers and spreadsheet password removal tools for Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice, and more in 2025.
Table of Contents
Understanding XLS vs XLSX Formats
Before choosing a password remover, it's crucial to understand the difference between XLS and XLSX formats, as this affects which tools and methods work best:
| Feature | XLS (Legacy) | XLSX (Modern) |
|---|---|---|
| Excel Version | Excel 97-2003 | Excel 2007+ |
| File Format | Binary (BIFF) | XML-based ZIP |
| Max File Size | Limited (~65MB) | Unlimited |
| Encryption Type | RC4 (Weaker) | AES (Stronger) |
| Compatibility | All Excel versions | Excel 2007+ only |
| Password Removal | Generally easier | More complex |
| Common Usage | Legacy systems | Modern standard |
Key Insight
XLS files use weaker encryption (RC4) compared to XLSX (AES), making XLS passwords generally easier and faster to remove. However, the best modern tools support both formats equally well.
Best XLS Password Removers in 2025
These specialized tools excel at removing passwords from legacy XLS files while also supporting modern XLSX formats:
| Tool | XLS Support | Speed (XLS) | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excel-Decoder.Online | Excellent | 1-2 seconds | All XLS/XLSX files | ★★★★★ |
| PassFab for Excel | Excellent | 30 sec - 5 min | Desktop users | ★★★★☆ |
| iSunshare Excel Password Remover | Very Good | 1-10 minutes | Batch processing | ★★★★☆ |
| VBA Macro Method | Good | Instant | Tech-savvy users | ★★★☆☆ |
| Manyprog Excel Password Recovery | Very Good | 2-15 minutes | Windows users | ★★★☆☆ |
Online Tools (Recommended)
Excel-Decoder.Online handles XLS files in 1-2 seconds with zero installation. Perfect for occasional use and cross-platform compatibility.
Desktop Software
PassFab and iSunshare offer offline processing ideal for sensitive files or batch operations with multiple XLS files.
Universal Spreadsheet Password Removers
Need a tool that works across different spreadsheet applications? These universal solutions support Excel, Google Sheets exports, LibreOffice, and more:
Excel Files
.xls, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlsb formats from all Excel versions (97-2025)
LibreOffice Calc
.ods files and Excel-compatible exports from LibreOffice Calc
Google Sheets
Exported .xlsx files from Google Sheets with password protection
| Application | Native Format | Password Removal Method | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | .xls, .xlsx | Direct removal tools | Easy |
| Google Sheets | Cloud-based | Export to .xlsx, then remove | Easy |
| LibreOffice Calc | .ods | Export to .xls/.xlsx, then remove | Moderate |
| Apache OpenOffice | .ods | Export to Excel format first | Moderate |
| WPS Office | .xls, .xlsx | Same as Excel methods | Easy |
| Apple Numbers | .numbers | Export to Excel, then remove | Moderate |
XLS-Specific Password Removal Methods
Legacy XLS files use older encryption that can be removed using several specialized techniques:
Method 1: Online XLS Password Remover (Fastest)
Best for: Quick, hassle-free removal for occasional use
Process: Upload XLS file → automatic decryption → download unlocked file
Time: 1-3 seconds | Success Rate: 95% | Cost: Free
Method 2: VBA Macro Script (Technical)
Best for: Users comfortable with VBA and macros
Process: Open file in Excel → Enable macros → Run password removal script
Time: Instant | Success Rate: 80% | Cost: Free
Method 3: ZIP Extraction Method (XLSX Only)
Best for: XLSX files (not XLS), technical users
Process: Rename .xlsx to .zip → extract → edit XML → repackage
Time: 5-10 minutes | Success Rate: 70% | Cost: Free
Method 4: Desktop Software (Professional)
Best for: Frequent use, batch processing, offline work
Process: Install software → import files → run removal → save results
Time: 30 sec - 10 min | Success Rate: 90% | Cost: $30-$80
Important Note for XLS Files
The ZIP extraction method (Method 3) does NOT work for XLS files - only XLSX. XLS files use binary format (BIFF), not XML. For XLS files, use online tools (Method 1) or VBA macros (Method 2).
Step-by-Step XLS Password Removal Guide
Follow this comprehensive guide to remove passwords from XLS files using the recommended online method:
Preparation (2 minutes)
- Identify your file format: Check if the file extension is .xls (legacy) or .xlsx (modern)
- Create a backup copy: Make a duplicate of your password-protected file before proceeding
- Close the file: Ensure Excel or any spreadsheet app is not currently accessing the file
- Check file size: Verify your file is under 100 MB for best online tool compatibility
Removal Process (1-2 minutes)
- Navigate to Excel-Decoder.Online
Visit excel-decoder.online in any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Upload your XLS/XLSX file
Drag and drop your file or click the upload area to browse. Both .xls and .xlsx formats are supported.
- Enter password (if known)
If you have the password, enter it to speed up processing. If not, the tool will attempt automatic removal.
- Click UNLOCK button
The tool will process your file in 1-3 seconds using advanced decryption algorithms.
- Download unlocked file
Your password-free file downloads automatically. All formulas, formatting, and data are preserved intact.
Verification Steps
Test file opening
Open the downloaded file in Excel, LibreOffice, or Google Sheets to confirm it opens without password prompt.
Verify data integrity
Check that all sheets, formulas, charts, and formatting remain unchanged and functional.
Test editing capabilities
Confirm you can now edit cells, modify sheets, and save changes without restrictions.
Format Conversion Considerations
When working with XLS files, you may need to convert between formats. Here's what you need to know:
| Conversion | When to Use | Considerations | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLS → XLSX | Modernizing legacy files | Better compression, modern features | ✓ Yes |
| XLSX → XLS | Legacy system compatibility | May lose modern features | ⚠ If necessary |
| XLS → CSV | Simple data export | Loses formatting, formulas | ⚠ Data only |
| ODS → XLS/XLSX | LibreOffice to Excel | Minor formatting differences | ✓ Yes |
Conversion Best Practices
Spreadsheet Application Compatibility
After removing passwords, your files should work seamlessly across different spreadsheet applications. Here's a compatibility overview:
Microsoft Excel
Google Sheets
LibreOffice Calc
Apple Numbers
Cross-Platform Tip
For maximum compatibility across all applications, use XLSX format after removing passwords. It offers the best balance of features, compatibility, and file size across Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice, and other spreadsheet tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between XLS and XLSX password removal?
XLS (legacy format) uses weaker RC4 encryption, making password removal generally faster (1-2 seconds). XLSX uses stronger AES encryption but modern tools handle both equally well. The main difference is XLS is limited to Excel 2003 compatibility while XLSX is the current standard.
Can I remove passwords from Google Sheets exports?
Yes! Google Sheets files exported to Excel format (.xlsx) can have passwords removed using the same tools. Export your Google Sheet as XLSX, remove the password using Excel-Decoder.Online, then re-upload to Google Sheets if needed.
Do spreadsheet password removers work for LibreOffice Calc files?
LibreOffice Calc uses .ods format natively. To remove passwords, first export the file as .xls or .xlsx from LibreOffice, then use Excel password removal tools. The converted file can be opened back in LibreOffice after password removal.
Which is faster: XLS or XLSX password removal?
XLS password removal is typically faster (1-2 seconds) due to older, simpler encryption. XLSX may take 2-3 seconds due to AES encryption. However, with modern online tools like Excel-Decoder.Online, the difference is negligible for most users.
Should I convert XLS to XLSX after removing passwords?
Yes, converting to XLSX is recommended unless you need Excel 2003 compatibility. XLSX offers better compression (smaller file size), improved data recovery, enhanced security features, and support for larger datasets. Excel 2007 and newer fully support XLSX.
Will password removal work on files from WPS Office or Apple Numbers?
Yes! WPS Office uses standard Excel formats (.xls/.xlsx), so password removal works identically. For Apple Numbers, export the file to Excel format first, remove the password, then optionally convert back to .numbers format using Numbers app.
Can I remove passwords from multiple XLS files at once?
Excel-Decoder.Online processes files individually for security. For batch processing, you'll need desktop software like PassFab or iSunshare which support bulk operations. However, most users find individual processing fast enough (1-2 seconds per file).
Are my spreadsheet files safe when using online password removers?
Reputable tools like Excel-Decoder.Online use HTTPS encryption for uploads/downloads and automatically delete files after processing (typically within seconds). However, avoid uploading highly sensitive financial or personal data to any online service as a general security practice.
Conclusion
XLS password removal and universal spreadsheet password removal have become incredibly simple in 2025. Whether you're working with legacy XLS files from Excel 2003, modern XLSX files, or exports from Google Sheets and LibreOffice, the right tools make password removal instant and effortless.
While XLS files use older encryption that's generally faster to crack, modern online tools like Excel-Decoder.Online handle both XLS and XLSX formats with equal efficiency - typically delivering results in 1-3 seconds. The key is choosing a reliable, secure tool that supports multiple formats and works across all platforms without installation.