Excel is one of the most popular tools used in the business world. It’s a great tool for making data organized, easy to read and accessible. However, many businesses tend to keep their data safe by putting passwords on their Excel files. While having password-protected Excel files can be highly beneficial, there may come a time when the password needs to be removed. This could be due to various reasons such as forgetting the password or simply wanting to share the data with others. In this article, we will discuss how to remove a password from an Excel file using the different versions of Microsoft Office.
How to Remove Password from an Excel 2019 or 365 File
The latest versions of Excel make it easy to remove the password from a file. Here are the steps:
- Open the file to unlock
- Click on File, then click on Info
- Click on Protect workbook, then click on Encrypt with Password
- Delete the password and click on OK
- Click on Save to ensure changes are saved and password is removed
This method works for Excel 2019 and 365, but older versions of Excel require a different approach.
How to Remove Password from an Excel 2016 File
Here are the steps to follow to remove a password from an Excel 2016 file:
- Open the file you want to modify
- Click on File, then click on Info
- Click on Protect workbook, then click on Encrypt with Password
- Delete the password, click on OK, and save the workbook
- Click on File, then click on Save As
- Open the Save as type dropdown and select Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)
- Name the new file and click on Save
By doing this, the file will now be saved as a new Excel workbook with the password removed.
How to Remove Password from an Excel 2013 File
If you’re using Excel 2013, here are the steps to follow to remove the password:
- Open the workbook you want to modify
- Click on File, then click on Save As
- Click on the Tools dropdown and choose General Options
- Delete the password under Password to open, click on OK and save the workbook
These steps are easy to follow and allow you to quickly remove the password from an Excel 2013 workbook.
How to Remove Password from an Excel 2010 File
Excel 2010 is an older version of the program that still remains popular. Here are steps to remove the password from an Excel 2010 file:
- Open the workbook and enter the password
- Click on the File tab, then click on Info
- Click on Protect Workbook, then click on Encrypt with Password
- Delete the password, click on OK and save the workbook
FAQs
Question 1: What happens if I forget my password for an Excel file?
Ans: Forgetting a password for an Excel file can be frustrating, it can happen to anyone. In such situations, there are a few options that can be used. One of the easiest methods is to use a password recovery software. There are many such tools available on the market that can help recover the password. Another option is to create a new workbook with the same data, but without the password.
Question 2: Can I still use Excel files when the password is removed?
Ans: Yes, you can still use Excel files when the password is removed. Removing the password does not affect the data in the file. The only difference is that you no longer have to enter a password to open the file. However, keep in mind that removing a password from an Excel file can make it more vulnerable to unauthorized access. Always take the necessary precautions to secure your data.
Conclusion
Excel is an incredibly useful tool for businesses. Passwords can be added to ensure data stays confidential, but there might come a time when the password needs to be removed. The process of removing the password from Excel files can be different depending on the version of Microsoft Office you are using. This article has provided step-by-step guidance on how to remove passwords from Excel files, along with a couple of handy FAQs. If you need more information, watch our video tutorial for a more comprehensive guide.