Excel is a popular software used by businesses, professionals, and individuals alike to manage and organize data. However, sometimes we forget or lose the password to our important Excel files, causing stress and frustration. In this article, we will explore different ways to unlock password-protected Excel files and provide step-by-step guides to make the process easy and hassle-free.
4 Ways to Unlock Password-Protected Excel Files
1. Use the Excel Password Recovery Tool
The simplest way to unlock a password-protected Excel file is by using a password recovery tool. These tools are designed to quickly recover passwords from Excel files. Here are the steps to use the Excel Password Recovery Tool:
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Launch the software and click on “Open” to select the password-protected Excel file.
- Select the type of attack you want to perform (Dictionary, Brute-Force, or Mask).
- Click on “Start” to begin the password recovery process.
- Once the password is recovered, use it to unlock the Excel file.
This method works if you know or have an idea about the type of password that was used to lock the file. If you have no idea about the password, you can try the other methods.
2. Remove Password Protection from Excel File
If you don’t want to use a password to protect your Excel file anymore, you can remove the password protection. Here are the steps to remove the password protection from the Excel file:
- Open the Excel file you want to unlock.
- Click on the “File” tab and select “Info”.
- Click on “Protect Workbook” and select “Encrypt with Password”.
- Delete the Password field and click on “OK”.
- Save the Excel file.
This method removes the existing password protection from the Excel file. You can now open the file without providing any password. Remember to save the file after removing the password.
3. Use a Third-Party Software
Another way to unlock a password-protected Excel file is by using a third-party software. There are many software available online that claim to unlock password-protected Excel files. Here are the steps to use a third-party software:
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Launch the software and select the password-protected Excel file.
- Follow the instructions provided by the software to unlock the Excel file.
Note that not all third-party software is reliable and may contain malware. Therefore, download software only from a reputable source after performing thorough research.
4. Use Google Sheets
If you cannot unlock password-protected Excel file using the above methods, you can upload the file to Google Sheets and access it without providing the password. Here are the steps to use Google Sheets:
- Open Google Sheets on your browser.
- Click on “File” and select “Import”.
- Select the Excel file you want to unlock and click on “Import”.
- Enter the password to unlock the file.
- Google Sheets will create a new sheet with the data from the Excel file.
Note that uploading your Excel file to Google Sheets may raise privacy concerns. Therefore, make sure to remove the file from Google Sheets once you are done with it and avoid uploading sensitive information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I remove password protection from Excel sheet if I don’t know the password?
No, you cannot remove the password protection from an Excel sheet if you don’t know the password. The only way to unlock a password-protected Excel sheet is by using a password recovery tool or third-party software.
2. Is it safe to use a third-party software to unlock password-protected Excel files?
Not all third-party software is reliable and may contain malware. Therefore, download software only from a reputable source after performing thorough research. Additionally, make sure to use antivirus software to detect any potential threats.
Video Tutorial
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to unlock password-protected Excel files:
Conclusion
Unlocking password-protected Excel files can be frustrating, but there are various methods available to make the process easier. You can use a password recovery tool, remove password protection from the Excel file, use a third-party software, or upload the file to Google Sheets. While using these methods, make sure to take necessary precautions and keep your data safe.
