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
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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. If needed, you can create a new spreadsheet . [1]
  2. This will be at the top-left corner of the window, next to Home .
    • A new page will open.
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  3. You can find this in the left panel.
  4. This is the first tile of the Info tab.
    • A drop-down menu will open.
  5. 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. This will be below Always Open Read-Only .
    • A pop-up box will open.
  7. 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 .
  8. Input the same password as the previous step.
    • You should now see a lock and key icon underneath Protect Workbook .
  9. 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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Excel 2007

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  1. If needed, you can create a new one.
  2. This is the tab at the top, next to Data .
  3. This is in the "Changes" section.
  4. If you have also set up specific windows within the file, check the pertinent box as well.
  5. 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.
  6. Your Excel file is now password-protected. When you open it, you'll be asked to input your password.
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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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    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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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/protect-an-excel-file-7359d4ae-7213-4ac2-b058-f75e9311b599

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the file.
      2. Click File .
      3. Click Protect Workbook .
      4. Click Encrypt with Password .
      5. Enter a password.
      6. Click OK .
      7. Close the document.
      8. Reopen and enter the password.

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