5 Ways to Unlock Excel Sheets Without Passwords

Why Would You Need to Unlock an Excel Sheet?

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to access an Excel sheet that has been locked, whether it’s a personal document you’ve forgotten the password for or a professional file that needs modifications, understanding how to unlock these sheets can be incredibly useful. From needing to retrieve lost data to making necessary updates, unlocking an Excel sheet can be crucial.

Method 1: Using Excel’s Built-in Feature

• Open the locked Excel file.
• Go to File > Info > Protect Workbook and see if the sheet is password-protected under “Encryption options.”
• If it is, uncheck the “Password to open” option.

⚠️ Note: This method will only work if the file has a password to open the file but not if it has a password to modify it.

Method 2: Using VBA Code

• Open Excel and press ALT + F11 to open the VBA editor.
• Click Insert > Module.
• Copy and paste the following code:

      Sub PasswordBreaker()
          ‘Breaks worksheet password protection.
          Dim i As Integer, j As Integer, k As Integer
          Dim l As Integer, m As Integer, n As Integer
          Dim i1 As Integer, i2 As Integer, i3 As Integer
          Dim i4 As Integer, i5 As Integer, i6 As Integer
          On Error Resume Next
          For i = 65 To 66: For j = 65 To 66: For k = 65 To 66
          For l = 65 To 66: For m = 65 To 66: For i1 = 65 To 66
          For i2 = 65 To 66: For i3 = 65 To 66: For i4 = 65 To 66
          For i5 = 65 To 66: For i6 = 65 To 66: For n = 32 To 126
          ActiveSheet.Unprotect Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & _
          Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & Chr(i3) & _
          Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n)
          If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then
              MsgBox “One usable password is ” & Chr(i) & Chr(j) & _
                     Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & _
                     Chr(i3) & Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n)
              Exit Sub
          End If
          Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
          Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
      End Sub
  

Method 3: Using an Online Service

• Visit a trusted website that offers password recovery or removal services for Excel files.
• Upload your Excel file and follow their instructions to remove or recover the password.

📢 Note: Be cautious when using online services to unlock files. Ensure the service you choose has good reviews and employs encryption to protect your data.

Method 4: Third-Party Software

• Download and install software like Excel Password Recovery, iSunshare Excel Password Genius, or PassFab Excel Password Recovery.
• Open the software and follow the instructions to recover or remove the password from your Excel file.

Method 5: Using Zip Method

• Save your Excel file.
• Right-click on the Excel file and select Properties. If the password prompt appears, the file is password-protected.
• Rename the .xlsx file to .zip.
• Open the .zip file, navigate to xl/worksheets, and find the sheet.xml file.
• Edit the XML file to remove the password attribute.
• Save changes, rename back to .xlsx, and open the file in Excel.

The practice of unlocking Excel sheets can be necessary for various legitimate reasons, from accidental password forgetting to needing urgent updates on locked documents. Remember, these methods should be used ethically, respecting the original purpose of the lock, which is often to protect sensitive data. Whether you're using Excel's built-in tools, VBA scripts, online services, third-party software, or a more manual approach like the Zip method, each comes with its own set of considerations. Some methods might work better for different levels of protection, while others require careful handling due to privacy concerns.

In summary, knowing how to unlock an Excel sheet can save time and avoid frustration. Methods range from simple built-in Excel features to more complex external tools or code, but the goal is always to regain access responsibly. Always ensure you have permission to unlock files you do not own, and consider the security implications of accessing locked data.

Is it legal to unlock an Excel sheet if I have forgotten the password?

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Yes, if you have legitimate access to the file, it’s your property or you have the right to modify it, then it’s generally legal to unlock the sheet to regain access to your data.

Can these methods work on all versions of Excel?

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Most methods will work across various versions of Excel, but VBA scripts might need adjustments for compatibility, especially with older versions.

What are the risks involved in using third-party software to unlock Excel sheets?

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Third-party software might not always be secure or reputable. There’s a risk of malware or data theft if you’re not using trusted software. Always research the software provider before downloading or using their tools.