How to Upload Password-Protected Excel to Google Drive?

Rollins Duke
Published: May 20th, 2026 • 3 Min Read

Have you ever upload password-protected Excel sheets to Google Drive? Basically, if you add the protection in worksheet in Offline Excel by going to “Review Tab” then “Add password,” then they are protected in Offline, but once they upload in Google Drive, they are unprotected automatically without losing structure. But this scenario didn’t work when users upload encrypted password-protected XLS sheet to Google Drive. Thinking Why? This situation creates confusion because users think they can convert protected Excel sheet to unprotected once they move them in Google Drive.

An Encrypted Excel is high secure Excel file that doesn’t give single preview if users don’t know the correct password. Users can decrypt Excel file that is encrypted with password with BitRecover Office Password Remover Tool. Basically, this tool helps to remove password from XLS sheet without altering original data within sheet. This blog assists users who are attempting to upload multiple password-protected Excel files to Google Drive & wondering whether the passwords will remain intact or removed once they are uploaded. Users will also learn about common issues & quick direct fixes when they upload password locked & encrypted Excel file in Google Drive.

Reasons to Upload Password-Protected Excel File in Google Drive

Users have different reasons when they move protected Excel sheet to Google Drive.

They can access Excel spreadsheet on multiple devices.
Easy to collaborate with teammates & clients.
Effortlessly create cloud backup.
They want to access Excel workbook remotely.
Want to save local storage space.

Google Drive is widely used because it provides flexibility & easier collaboration. Basically, offline-created Excel files take up space whenever users share files and download them locally.

What Happens When Users Upload Password-Protected Excel?

Before jumping into steps, users need to understand difference between XLS files.

Protected Excel File: If users upload only “Protected Sheet” in G Drive, then they are automatically unlocked without requiring password. Once they are open in Google Sheets, they can be edited without showing any restrictions.
Encrypted Excel Sheet: The entire file is locked. If users upload them to Google Drive, they still require password. They cannot be opened without password, even if they are uploaded to Google Drive.

In simple terms, if XLS file is encrypted they cannot be opened after upload to Google Drive. Users still need password to edit them in Google Sheets.

Step-by-Step Method to Upload Password-Protected Excel to Google Drive

User needs to follow these steps to get offline Excel worksheet to Google Drive.

Note: Before making any steps, users need to check there file is protected with password or encrypted. If they are encrypted users need password, once they upload in Google Drive.

Login Google Account.
Once logged in, go to drive option.
Check side panel & click New option.
Select any option “File Upload” or “Folder Upload” option.
Find file on your system that you want to upload.
Start uploading.
Once they are uploaded, find Excel or double-click.
Open Excel.
If file is encrypted, then password is required.
Enter password & start editing Excel files.

Final Words,

Moving or Upload password-protected Excel to Google Drive helps users to access them anytime without needing to download. Users can easily share Excel worksheet by a link to other users, once they uploaded in G Drive. Nevertheless, if users upload encrypted Excel sheets in G Drive, then they need password to unlock them. So, whenever you upload Excel sheet, make sure what type they are: “protected or encrypted“. If users want to upload Excel files without password, then they can remove known password from XLS sheet with third-party suggested tool.