How to Save Protected Excel Sheet as Unprotected? Easy Guide
Reasons to Save Protected Excel Sheets as Unprotected
There are several valid reasons why users remove worksheet protection from Excel files. In most cases, users already have permission to access of Excel file, but they need editing functionality restored.
- Sometimes, original creator forgot to share password.
- Urgently need to edit the Excel Sheet.
- Most of the time, XLS file is no longer maintained.
- Protection prevents copying & formatting cells.
- Team members need access to collaboration.
- Read-only restrictions block editing.
What is Excel Protection & Types of Excel Protections?
Microsoft Excel is used to store data, create reports, manage accounts, analyze information, etc. Whenever original creator sees risk in Excel sheet, they think they are unprotected & someone will edit, delete, or change important data. Excel offers different types of protection. Ultimately, it’s up to users to decide how they want to secure Excel Workbook.
- Worksheet Protection: Worksheet Protection is used to protect specific sheet in Excel workbook. It stops users from editing locked cells & changing important data. This protection layer prevents changing cell values, formulas, formatting, rows, columns, charts, etc.
- Workbook Protections: It secure structure of complete Excel workbook. It restricts users from adding sheets, deleting sheets, renaming worksheets, & moving worksheets. This protective layer is important in business reports, company templates, shared files, etc., to protect vital XLS files.
- File-Level Protection: This protection requires specific password to open Excel file. If you don’t have correct password, then you can’t access workbook. Users have 2 options: “Password to Open” & “Password to Modify”. This feature adds extra level of security.
- Cell Protection: It allows users to lock specific cells while leaving others editable. This helps users to fill in important information without changing formulas & headings.
- Formula Protection: This specifically protects formulas from being edited & deleted. Most of the time, formulas are hidden so that users cannot see how calculations work. Formula Protection is heart of spreadsheet, and if someone change & delete formula entire spreadsheet is affected.
- Read-only Protection: In this protection, users can only view Excel data but can’t change anything in Excel Workbook.
- Restricted Access Protection: Excel connected with Microsoft accounts. Users use Excel in organizations, and administrators can restrict access permissions. In this protection level, approved users can open files. If access is given, some users can even edit & others can view.
How to Save Protected Excel XLS | XLSX Sheet as Unprotected?
Excel protection becomes most important to users. Basically, Excel protection controls who can view, edit, or modify certain parts of Excel Workbook. There are users can learn 4 method to save protected Excel sheet as unprotected. Let’s continue with us & know direct strategies that help to unlock Excel sheet without altering formatting.
Method 1: Save Copy & Remove Protection in Excel
- Open protected Excel file.
- Now, click File>> Save As.
- After that, save a duplicate copy with new name.
- Now, go to review tab.
- Click Unprotect Sheet.
- Enter password, if needed.
- Save Excel workbook again.
Method 2: Use Google Sheets to Remove Basic Protection
Many users face this tackle when they import PC Excel files into Google Sheets. This method helps to remove simple restrictions.
- Firstly, upload Excel file to Google Drive.
- Try to Open It with Google Sheets.
- After that, check whether editing restrictions remain.
- If editable, go to:
- File > Download
- Choose Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)
- Save downloaded file.
Benefits of this Method: There are users don’t need to install software. It also preserves formatting in Excel. This technique is also useful for sharing spreadsheets with other teams. But, this method didn’t support remove protections from strongly protected workbooks.
Method 3: Create New Workbook & Copy Data in Excel
- Firstly, open protected Excel worksheet.
- Select visible data in Excel.
- Copy selected content in XLS sheet.
- Open new Excel workbook by using “CTRL + N.”
- Paste values & formatting in new workbook.
- Save new file as per your required location.
This method avoids modifying original protected workbook entirely.
Alternative 4: Request Editing Access by Creator
In most business and communal environments, they give access to Excel Workbooks. This is most simple way to save protected Excel sheet as unprotected. You just need password or editable version directly from owner. This alternative keeps data safe from corruption, avoids legal issues, mitigates security risks, & resolves compatibility problems in Excel files.
Primary Restrictions of the Free Method
Free methods may seem best to remove Excel protection, but they come with several limitations. They usually affect security, reliability, & usability. There are many restrictions mentioned below that help you to know why users start disliking free method.
- A free online tool doesn’t work with latest AES-encrypted Excel files.
- They can damage workbook structure, formulas, charts, & macros.
- Uploading sensitive info on website may expose business, financial, & personal information.
- There is no guarantee of success in password removal process.
- There is inability to remove “Password to Open.”
- If users remove & download unprotected Excel file, they also come with malware & adware risks.
- Free method didn’t provide any customer support if something happened to Excel file.
- Free strategies have multiple technical steps that can be tedious for non-technical users.
- Users get altered, formatted Excel files if they choose online tools to unprotect Excel files.
Pro Solution to Save Bulk of Protected Excel Sheet as Unprotected
If users want to remove bulk of protected Excel sheet as unprotected, then you just need direct solution, which is BitRecover Office Password Remover Tool. This application was created with advanced algorithms that make process easier to understand by technical & non-technical users. Users don’t need any further application. This tool directly saves protected Excel XLS workbook as unprotected.
This tool effortlessly removes protection from encrypted Excel sheets without losing any formatting. Check more about software to download a free demo version of this app to explore every feature without shelling out single penny.
Steps to unprotect Excel sheet without Password
- Download Excel Password Remover Tool.
- Select Excel Files that you need to save as unprotected.
- Now Tap on “Click to Show Password”
- Click on “Remove” to instantly unprotect Excel sheet.
Prime Features in Automated Solution
- Quickly remove passwords from Excel files.
- No need any third-party application to unprotect XLS files.
- It maintains original data & layout of Excel spreadsheets.
- This application is compatible with all MS Office versions.
- Unlock Excel files safely & without errors.
- No technical know-how required.
- Easy-to-use interface that make process easier.
- Users can edit & update protected Excel sheets once they are unprotected.
Time to Wrap Up,
In this blog, users will find out why users are trying to save protect Excel sheets as unprotect Excel sheets. To prevent accidental changes, users choose password to protect Excel workbook, but forgetting password also creates problem when any important changes need to be made. Nevertheless, there are practical ways to save protected Excel sheets as unprotected without damaging data. Instead of relying on online tool, try trusted method that not only unlock excel sheet but also protects your personal information.
