How to Password Protect a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet

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A quick guide to putting a required password on a file in Microsoft Excel

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: September 26, 2023 Fact Checked

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Using Office 365/Excel 2016, 2013, 2010

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Using Excel 2007

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Video

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Q&A

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Warnings

Do you have an important Excel file you want to protect? You can easily lock your Excel workbook with a password. For even more safety, you can set the spreadsheet as "Read Only". This prevents accidental editing from any viewers. Be sure to use a password you can remember, as you won't be able to reset it. This wikiHow will show you how to password-protect a file in Microsoft Excel using your Windows or Mac computer.

Things You Should Know

Click "File" → "Info" → "Protect Workbook" → "Encrypt with Password". Enter a password twice and click "OK".
To set as Read-Only, click "File" → "Info" → "Protect Workbook" → "Always Open Read-Only".
Be sure to use a password you can remember; you won't be able to reset it if you forget.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Office 365/Excel 2016, 2013, 2010

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1
Open a project in Microsoft Excel. If needed, you can create a new spreadsheet.^{[1]
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- Microsoft Excel is available to download on Windows and Mac. You can also use the online web version at https://www.office.com/.
2
Click File. This will be at the top-left corner of the window, next to Home.
- A new page will open.
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You can find this in the left panel.
4
Click Protect Workbook. This is the first tile of the Info tab.
- A drop-down menu will open.
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Set as Read-Only (optional). If you want to prevent accidental changes from others when you share your workbook, you can set the workbook as "Read-Only". Keep in mind that others will be able to change this mode if they choose.
- Click Always Open Read-Only in the drop-down menu.
- You'll see an icon of a pencil and cancel symbol underneath Protect Workbook.
6
Click Encrypt with Password. This will be below Always Open Read-Only.
- A pop-up box will open.
Keep in mind you won't be able to reset or recover the password if you forget it. Be sure to use a password you can remember.
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Re-enter the password and click OK. Input the same password as the previous step.
- You should now see a lock and key icon underneath Protect Workbook.
If you're prompted to save, be sure to save. When you open the workbook again, you'll be asked to enter in your password.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Excel 2007

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If needed, you can create a new one.
This is the tab at the top, next to Data.
This is in the "Changes" section.
If you have also set up specific windows within the file, check the pertinent box as well.
Be sure to use a password you can remember, as you won't be able to reset it. You may need to do this twice.
Your Excel file is now password-protected. When you open it, you'll be asked to input your password.

Community Q&A

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Question

I have made a sheet in Excel which contains 2000 names and addresses, so now I want to make this sequenced. First a, then after that b, c, etc. How do I do this?

Sylvia Saltaformajo

Community Answer

Right-click on the column you want to sort your sheet by. A menu will open. Hover over the "Sort" option in it. You will see another menu, click "Sort A to Z" in it.

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Question

What do I do if I forgot the password?

Sylvia Saltaformajo

Community Answer

Unfortunately you can't recover forgotten passwords for MS Excel spreadsheets. You'll have to recreate a document or recover password using special software. You can find it online, there are many options: Password-Find, Password Lastic, Rixler password recovery, etc.

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Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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Warnings

Password protecting your Excel sheet will keep the average user from messing around in your files, but a determined user can purchase password-cracking software to view your sheets.

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