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How to Remove Password from Excel: Unlock Sheets & Files Quickly

If you’re wondering how to remove a password from Excel, you’re not alone! 🔐 Whether you added it yourself and no longer need it, or you’re updating a shared file, Excel makes it easy to remove protection — as long as you know the password. In this guide, you’ll learn how to unlock password-protected Excel files or worksheets on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice Calc) using built-in tools and keyboard shortcuts. ✅

🧠 Why Remove Password Protection in Excel?

Excel passwords are useful for protecting:

  • 🔒 Sensitive data
  • ❌ Preventing unwanted edits
  • 📁 Locking formulas or sheets

But once your file is ready to share or no longer needs protection, removing the password gives you:

  • ✅ Full access for editing and formatting
  • 💡 Easier collaboration with teammates
  • 🚀 Faster opening without prompts

✅ How to Remove Password from Excel File (Workbook Protection)

To remove a password that restricts opening the entire workbook:

  1. Open the Excel file and enter the current password
  2. Click File > Info > Protect Workbook > Encrypt with Password
  3. Delete the password in the pop-up box
  4. Click OK
  5. Save the file (Ctrl + S or Cmd + S)

🎯 Your Excel file is now fully unlocked — no password required next time!

✅ How to Remove Sheet Protection in Excel

If you want to unlock a protected sheet (for editing cells, formulas, formatting):

  1. Go to the protected sheet
  2. Click Review > Unprotect Sheet
  3. Enter the password if prompted
  4. Sheet is now editable
  5. Save the file to retain changes

💡 Once unprotected, you can also remove protection from other sheets by repeating this process.

✅ Remove Workbook Structure Protection

This locks adding, deleting, or moving sheets:

  1. Click Review > Protect Workbook
  2. Enter password if prompted
  3. The workbook structure is now editable
  4. Save the file

🧠 Workbook-level protection is separate from worksheet protection — make sure both are removed if needed.

✅ Keyboard Shortcuts to Speed It Up

ActionWindowsmacOSUbuntu/Linux (LibreOffice Calc)
Save fileCtrl + SCmd + SCtrl + S
Open Unprotect Sheet dialogAlt + R + P + SNo default shortcutTools > Protect Sheet
Open Protect Workbook optionsAlt + F + I + P + EManual via File menuNot applicable
Format cells (unhide locked)Ctrl + 1Cmd + 1Ctrl + 1

🐧 Remove Password in Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice Calc)

LibreOffice Calc allows for opening and removing passwords from .xls and .xlsx files:

  1. Open the file in Calc
  2. Enter the password (if set for opening)
  3. To unprotect a sheet:
    • Go to Tools > Protect Sheet
    • Uncheck protection (you may need the password)
  4. To remove file password:
    • Go to File > Save As
    • Uncheck Save with password
    • Click Save

✅ LibreOffice may strip workbook protection but not always advanced Microsoft encryption.

❗ Can You Remove an Unknown Password?

⚠️ Only if you know the password legally. If the password is lost:

  • You can’t open or edit the file without recovery tools
  • Microsoft does not provide a password recovery option
  • Avoid shady third-party tools unless fully trusted

Ethical tip: Only remove protection from files you’re authorized to access. 🔐

📊 Excel Password Removal Use Cases

ScenarioReason to Remove Password
Finalizing a projectNo longer need protection on formulas
Sharing with a teamAvoid password-sharing hassle
Automating reportsEliminate manual unlocking
Simplifying data inputAllow all users to edit freely
Training filesLet others experiment with editable files

🧼 Troubleshooting Tips

ProblemSolution
Can’t find unprotect optionYou’re not on the right sheet – check again
Forgot the passwordYou’ll need it to remove protection
“Save with password” reappearsDouble-check that it’s unchecked on save
Cannot unprotect in LibreOfficeFile may have advanced Microsoft encryption
File keeps prompting passwordSave as new file after removing password

FAQs

How do I remove a password from an Excel file?
Open the file with the password → Go to File > Info > Encrypt → Delete password → Save.

Can I remove a sheet password without knowing it?
No, you need the password to unprotect a sheet ethically.

Is removing a workbook password the same as a sheet password?
No – they’re different. You must remove both separately if both are enabled.

Does LibreOffice support removing Excel passwords?
Yes — for basic protection. It may not work with encrypted .xlsx files.

How can I remove the password permanently?
After unprotecting, just save the file without re-applying protection.

Will removing a password delete my data?
No — it only removes the protection, not the content.

✅ Conclusion: Unlock Excel Files and Work Freely

Knowing how to remove a password from Excel empowers you to work smarter, collaborate easier, and maintain flexibility in managing spreadsheets. 🔓 Whether it’s unlocking sheets for editing or removing open-password protection for faster access, Excel makes it simple — if you have the password.

With just a few clicks or keyboard shortcuts, you can unlock your file on Windows, macOS, or Linux — and enjoy a hassle-free Excel experience. 🚀

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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