How to Decrypt Excel File that is Encrypted with Password?

Mark Regan
Published: May 19th, 2026 • 5 Min Read

Currently, countless companies use MS Excel to manage & store pertinent data. Excel workbooks were created to help users work with financial records, business reports, employee data, analytical sheets, etc., with ease. Sometimes XLS data is critical as well as users use password encryption to prevent unauthorized access to their Excel sheets. However, the real problem begins when users forget to decrypt Excel from encrypted Excel. An encrypted Excel workbook stops users from accessing files if users forgot their real password. This situation also led users to search “decrypt Excel file that is encrypted,” “decrypt encrypted Excel,” or “how to decrypt encrypted Excel files.”

At this moment, users find themselves more annoyed because encrypted XLS files have crucial data that they cannot open & edit. In this blog, readers will discover simple yet entirely effective techniques that help users to decrypt XLS | XLSX files that are secured with password. So, why delay more? Let’s move forward together.

Difference Between Encrypted & Decrypted Excel (XLS | XLSX)

Encrypted Excel File	Decrypted Excel File
Encrypted File is secured with password & encrypted lock.	Unlocked file & accessed without restrictions
Required correct password to open XLS file.	It can be opened, viewed, & edited freely.
Data protection is very high. Unauthorized users cannot access files.	There is no protection on data.
Store sensitive data like financial reports, confidential records, etc.	Normal used in collaboration. Easy to edit & sharing with teammates.
Data cannot be accessed & used.	Data can be accessed & used.
Users face difficulty recovering without Excel password.	There is no recovery needed.

Typical Difficulties with Encrypted Excel Files

MS Excel creates encryption to protect users sensitive data within sheet without giving unwanted access to different users. Nevertheless, users face multiple issues when trying to update encrypted Excel sheets. There are some common difficulties mentioned below.

Most of the users “lock & forget” their encrypted Excel passwords. This situation creates technical challenges during updates. This issue creates difficulties and are not recoverable through standard recovery options.
Sometimes, users don’t know about sheet protection & file encryption that create problems. This misunderstanding also leads users to use incorrect methods.
Teammates often share Excel sheets to collaborate with other members. If original creator didn’t share correct password, then other users cannot edit within XLS sheet.
Many users are concerned of corrupting data & thus unwilling to try solutions.

Practical Steps to Decrypt Excel that is Encrypted with Password

This blog shows you safe & legitimate ways to regain access. They can easily decrypt Excel files that are encrypted with strong password. Let’s go through with reliable method that helps users to convert encrypted Excel as decrypted.

Step 1: Unlock Encrypted Excel File by Password

In case you have password & are just looking to save file as decrypted then please follow these steps. It will help you in decrypting Excel from its encrypted form.

Firstly, open Excel file that is encrypted.
After that, “Go to File > Info.”
Once you reach it, click on “Protect Workbook.”
Select Encrypt with Password.
Remove “existing password.”
Save Excel file by “CTRL + S.”

These steps allow all users to make encrypted Excel sheet as decrypted without restriction or needing internal steps.

Step 2: Remove Sheet Protection

Most of the time, users get confused about file protection & sheet protection. They both are different, if your sheet is protected then you just need to follow these steps to remove sheet protection.

Firstly, open Excel sheet.
Again, go to “Review tab.”
Click “Unprotect Sheet”
Enter password, if you locked it before.

This method helps users convert protected Excel sheet as unprotected. It only removes editing restrictions. This technique does not affect file-level encryption.

Step 3: Contact File Owner or IT Support

If you are not original creator of Excel file & received it from another user then you just need to ask for original password. Once you get password then you can easily decrypt Excel file that is encrypted with password.

Still No Access? Quick Free Tricks to Decrypt Encrypted Excel File

If you forgot your Excel password then you need to recover with earlier version of XLS file. In this stage users can “Check OneDrive version history” or “Use Google Drive file versions.” This history works when you save Excel on online drive, if your Excel is saved on Windows drive you just need to check & restore Excel from Windows File History backup.

Modern Solution: Decrypt Password-Protected Excel From Encrypted

If users didn’t want to lose data by using manual method then they can use BitRecover Office Password Remover Tool. This application is created with advanced algorithms that help users to decrypt Excel workbooks that are encrypted with password. No technical knowledge is needed to operate this application. Within minutes, it can decrypt Excel sheets from Encrypted without altering data structure. Users don’t need to rely on online tools while using this application to decrypt XLS files.

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Final Thoughts,

Most users encrypt Excel sheets because they want to protect data from any misuse. Nevertheless, Encrypted Excel also creates multiple problems when it comes to updating sheets. If users already know password or encrypted file, then they can easily update sheet, but if they don’t know password. It creates multiple problems that often lead to using method that helps users decrypt Excel sheets that are encrypted with password. Users firstly need to understand about password protection used in Excel before using any techniques to remove password from Excel XLS sheets. This blog help users to know about real problems & basic solution that help users to decrypt XLS file.