How to Remove a Password from Excel (when you know it)

Excel has three different kinds of password. Each is removed in a different place, and each needs the current password.

1. Password to open the file

1. Open the file with the password.
2. File › Info › Protect Workbook › Encrypt with Password.
3. Delete the dots so the box is empty › OK.
4. Save (Ctrl+S).

Forget to save and the password stays.

2. Protected sheet (can’t edit cells)

Review › Unprotect Sheet, enter the password. Full guide: unprotect a sheet.

3. Protected workbook structure (can’t add, delete or unhide sheets)

Review › Protect Workbook (it’s highlighted when on), enter the password.

4. Read-only / password to modify

1. File › Save As › Browse.
2. Tools (next to Save) › General Options.
3. Clear Password to modify and untick Read-only recommended › OK › Save.

Forgot the password?

The open password uses strong encryption — there’s no built-in way around it. Ask whoever set it, check an older unprotected copy or backup, or a version in OneDrive’s Version History from before the password was added.

Setting one up properly next time: password protect Excel.