How to Open Password Protected XLSX File Without Password?

Are you struggling to open a password-protected XLSX file without a password? Don't worry—there are multiple ways to unlock your Excel file and regain access to your data. Here is our guide to help you know how to unprotect Excel sheet through different methods.

Microsoft Excel provides strong encryption to protect sensitive information, but what happens when you forget the password? Whether it’s an old file, a shared document, or a workbook someone else locked, being unable to access your data can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to open password-protected Excel files without a password.

This guide will walk you through different techniques, including manual methods like changing the file extension or using a VBA macro, using SysTools Excel to vCard Converter, and alternative approaches like Google Sheets.?

Each manual method has its pros and cons, depending on the complexity of the password protection. So, it is advisable to opt for the safest automated method.

By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to unprotect an Excel sheet and access your files securely. So let’s get started now.?

Understanding Excel File Protection?

Excel files can be protected in multiple ways, and understanding these protections is essential before attempting to unlock them.

Microsoft Excel offers two primary types of protection:

1. Workbook Protection – Prevents users from adding, deleting, or moving sheets within a workbook.
2. Worksheet Protection – Restricts editing of specific cells, rows, or columns while still allowing users to view the content.

In addition, Excel allows password encryption, where the entire file is locked and cannot be opened without entering the correct password. This is the most secure form of protection, making it difficult to open a password-protected Excel file without the correct credentials.

Many users find themselves locked out of their Excel sheets due to forgotten passwords or files received from colleagues. In such cases, knowing how to unprotect an Excel sheet if you forgot the password can be highly beneficial.

Throughout this guide, we will explore different approaches to removing an encrypted password from an Excel worksheet safely and efficiently. While some methods work for basic protection, encrypted files may require specialized tools.

Let’s start by exploring manual solutions before moving on to automated methods.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking an Excel Sheet Using File Extension Change

Before proceeding, make sure to create a backup of the original file in case something goes wrong.

1. Locate the protected Excel file on your computer and rename the file extension from .xlsx to .zip.
2. Then right-click the file and select Rename. Change the extension to .zip and press Enter.
3. If you don’t see file extensions, enable them in Windows Explorer (View > File name extensions).
4. Extract the ZIP file using built-in Windows tools or software like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
5. Navigate to the ‘xl’ folder, then open the ‘worksheets’ subfolder.
6. Locate the protected sheet’s XML file (e.g., sheet1.xml).
7. Open the XML file in a text editor such as Notepad++ or VS Code.
8. Find and delete the <sheetProtection> tag. This tag locks the sheet from being edited.
9. Save the modified XML file and replace the original inside the ZIP archive.
10. Rename the ZIP file back to .xlsx and open it in Excel.
11. Your Excel sheet should now be unprotected!

What are the Disadvantages of This Manual Methods

• Does not work for password-encrypted Excel files that require a password to open.
• This manual method can be complicated for non-technical users to perform.
• Modifying XML files incorrectly or removing essential tags may result in a corrupted file that Excel refuses to open.
• If the file structure is altered incorrectly, Excel may refuse to open it.
• This method only removes worksheet protection but cannot unlock an Excel file that requires a password to open. If the file is encrypted using strong AES-256 encryption, this method is ineffective.
• ?Some users may struggle to enable file extensions on their system, making renaming the .xlsx file to .zip difficult.
• If you need to unlock multiple password-protected Excel sheets, manually editing each XML file can be tedious and impractical.
• This approach only removes restrictions on editing cells, rows, and columns but does not bypass workbook-level or read-only password protection
• Some versions of Excel may flag the modified file as suspicious, especially if security settings are strict.

If this method does not work for your file, the next method—using a VBA macro—offers another way to unprotect Excel sheets. So let’s discuss that also.

Method 2: Using VBA Macro to Unprotect Sheets?

A VBA macro is one of the easiest ways to unprotect an Excel sheet if you forgot the password. This method works by running a simple script that removes protection from the worksheet without needing the actual password.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unprotect an Excel Sheet Using VBA

Follow these steps to unlock your Excel sheet using a VBA macro:

Step 1. Open the password-protected Excel file and navigate to the protected sheet.

Step 2. Press ALT + F11 to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Editor.

Step 3. In the VBA Editor, click Insert > Module to create a new module.

Step 4. Copy and paste the following VBA script into the module window:

Sub UnprotectSheet()
    Dim ws As Worksheet
    For Each ws In ActiveWorkbook.Sheets
        ws.Unprotect Password:="1234"
    Next ws
End Sub        

Step 5. Run the macro by pressing F5 or clicking Run in the VBA toolbar.

Step 6. Wait for the process to complete—it should remove the protection from the worksheet.

Step 7. Save the file and close the VBA editor. Your sheet should now be fully editable.

Why This Method May Not Work for You

• VBA macros can only remove sheet protection (e.g., locked cells, hidden formulas) but cannot unlock an Excel file that requires a password to open. If the file is encrypted, this method is ineffective.
• If the worksheet protection is set with complex passwords, VBA scripts may fail. Newer Excel versions (2013, 2016, 2019, and 365) use advanced encryption that VBA cannot bypass.
• By default, Excel disables macros for security reasons. To run a VBA script, you must manually enable macros, which some users may find difficult.
• VBA macros do not retrieve or crack the actual password. They simply attempt to remove protection. If the sheet is locked with multiple layers of security, this method will not work.
• If the entire workbook is protected with a password (not just a single sheet), VBA cannot remove the password. You will need automated software like SysTools VBA Password Remover software.
• Users unfamiliar with VBA scripting and Excel macros may struggle to enter and execute the correct script, leading to errors.

Recommended- If you want to open a password-protected Excel file using VBA but find VBA macros too complex or ineffective, you can opt for SysTools VBA Password Remover. This tool allows you to recover passwords from VBA files or projects in Word, Excel, and Access with ease.

Watch the Video to learn How This Software Works

To discover how to how to remove VBA password in Excel, look at the guide video this software and understand the best use of software.

After reviewing the limitations of manual methods like VBA and ZIP tricks, it's clear that they don’t work in every situation—especially for strong encryption.

So, if you're looking for a reliable, efficient, and hassle-free way to access your password-protected Excel files, using an automated tool like SysTools XLSX to vCard Converter is the best option.?

Let's discuss the software in detail, and you will get to know how this Excel to vCard master makes your process smoother.

Method 3: Using SysTools Excel to vCard Converter?

If you’re struggling to open a password-protected Excel file without a password, using an automated tool like SysTools Excel to vCard Converter can help.

This tool is primarily designed to convert Excel files into vCard format, but it also can extract data from locked Excel files.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking an Excel File Using SysTools Excel to vCard Converter

Step 1. Download and launch the software on your system. Click on browse button to select the MS Excel File.

Step 2. Now select the preferred XLSX files from all the selected Excel files displayed on the screen. Click Open

Step 3. Afterthat, match the fields and click on the Add button. The software will now display the list of matched attributes. Then click on the Next.

Step 4. The software offers customizable advanced options tailored to your needs. You can specify the vCard file version (VCF 2.1, 3.0, or 4.0) based on your preference. Additionally, enabling the "Allow empty email addresses to be imported" option ensures that all contacts are saved in a single VCF file.

Step 5. Lastly, provide a location to save the resultant file and click on Convert

Watch the Video to Know the Complete Working of the Software

Preventing Future Excel Password Issues?

While unlocking a password-protected Excel file without a password is possible, it's always best to prevent such situations in the first place. Losing access to important data can be frustrating, especially when dealing with sensitive business or financial records. Below are some best practices to help you avoid Excel password-related issues in the future.

1. Store Passwords Securely

One of the most common reasons people struggle to access password-protected Excel files is forgetting their passwords. To prevent this:

• Use a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden to securely store Excel passwords.
• Keep a secure offline record (such as a written note stored in a safe place) for critical passwords.
• Use memorable but strong passwords that are hard to guess but easy for you to remember.

2. Use Excel’s Auto-Recovery Feature

Excel has an AutoRecover function that can save your work and restore previous versions:

• Enable AutoRecover in File > Options > Save > AutoRecover Information Every X Minutes.
• Regularly back up your Excel files to avoid data loss.

3. Remove Password Protection If No Longer Needed

If your Excel file no longer requires security, it's best to remove the password:

1. Open the file and enter the password.
2. Go to File > Info > Protect Workbook > Encrypt with Password.
3. Delete the password and click OK.
4. Save the file without encryption.

4. Keep a Backup of Important Excel Files

Unexpected issues like file corruption, accidental deletion, or forgotten passwords can be avoided with proper backups:

• Save multiple copies of your Excel files in cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox).
• Maintain an external backup on a USB or external hard drive.
• Enable Excel’s Version History feature to restore previous versions if needed.

5. Avoid Weak or Reused Passwords

Using weak or commonly used passwords makes it easier for someone to bypass protection. Follow these tips:

• Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols in your password.
• Avoid using personal information like your name, birth date, or company name.
• Change passwords periodically to enhance security.

Final Thoughts

Being locked out of a password-protected Excel file can be stressful, but by storing passwords securely, using backups, and removing protection when unnecessary, you can avoid future issues. Implement these best practices to keep your Excel files safe while ensuring you never lose access to important data.