How to Remove the Password Protection in Microsoft Excel

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to unlock a password-protected Excel workbook in minutes.

Quick summary

Removing password protection in Microsoft Excel takes just a few clicks using the built-in Protect Workbook option under the Review tab. This guide walks you through each step so you can unprotect your Excel file quickly and without third-party tools.

Steps

Navigate to the top menu bar, then click the Review tab.
Find and click Protect Workbook in the Review toolbar.
Enter your nominated password into the provided input field, then click OK.
Once completed, the password protection will be fully removed from your Excel worksheet.

📌 Why this matters

Password-protecting Excel workbooks is a common security practice, but there are many legitimate situations where users need to remove that protection — such as when taking over a file, updating a shared template, or recovering access after a team change. Knowing how to remove password protection in Microsoft Excel directly through the built-in Review menu saves time and eliminates the need for risky third-party tools. This feature is available natively in Excel, making it a fast, secure, and reliable way to manage workbook access. Understanding this process helps individuals and teams maintain full control over their spreadsheet data without unnecessary friction.

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