Unlock Excel: A step-by-step guide to removing Excel passwords for all Windows versions
By Brian Stewart 28-01-2026 2
Free Tools to Excel Password Remover for Beginners
Today, Excel files are used everywhere, for office reports, accounting data, student projects, and personal records. However, sometimes an Excel file is password-protected, and we forget the password. In such cases, the file cannot be opened or edited.
If you are facing this problem, don't worry. In this blog, we will explain the entire process of removing an Excel password in easy steps, using both manual methods and a third-party tool. This guide works on almost all Windows versions.
What is Excel Password Protection?
Excel typically offers two types of password protection:
- Open Password: A password is required to open the file.
Sheet/Workbook Protection: The file opens, but it cannot be edited.
The method for removing the password may vary in each case.
Method 1: Manual method to remove Excel password (for Sheet Protection)
Note: This method works when the file opens, but the sheet is locked.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Open your Excel file (the one with the protected sheet).
Go to File > Save As.
Save the file in .xlsx format.
Now, rename the .xlsx file to .zip.
Extract the zip file.
Go to the extracted folder:
xl > worksheets
Open the relevant sheet.xml file in Notepad.
Find the line <sheetProtection … /> and delete the entire line.
Save the file and create a zip file again.
Rename the zip file back to .xlsx. - Now, when you open the file, the password will have been removed from the sheet.
Method 2:- Using a Third-Party Tool to Remove Excel Password
If your Excel file is not opening or you are having trouble with the technical steps, using a third-party Excel password remover tool is the easiest & safest method.
Softaken Freeware Excel Password Remover Software is a lightweight and user-friendly tool specifically designed to remove password protection from Excel files. This software is highly useful for users who have forgotten the password to their Excel files. The tool supports both .XLS and . XLSX file formats and works seamlessly on all major Windows versions.
Key Features of the Freeware Excel Password Remover Software:
Ability to remove passwords from Excel files
Simple and easy-to-use user interface
Supports XLS and XLSX files
Compatible with all Windows operating systems
No data loss
Freeware tool, free to use
How does the freeware Excel password remover work?
This software is very easy to use. By following the steps below, you can easily remove the password from your Excel file:
Download the Freeware Excel Password Remover software
Install and open the software
Click on the "Add File" option and add your password-protected Excel file
Click the "Remove Password" button
The password will be removed from the Excel file in just a few seconds
After this, you can open and edit your Excel file without any problems.
Conclusion
Forgetting your Excel password is a common problem, but it's also easy to solve. While third-party applications provide a quicker, more secure, & efficient solution for every version of Windows, the manual method is free and helpful.
Hopefully, this step-by-step Excel password removal guide will be helpful to you. If you encounter this problem frequently, using a professional tool can save you both time & effort.
