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How to Unencrypt Excel File (Step-by-Step Easy Guide)

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Published By Jamie Kaler 
Rollins Duke
Approved By Rollins Duke
Published On May 22nd, 2026
Reading Time 4 Min Read

An encrypted Excel that protects your data from being reviewed by unauthorized users. But sometimes, it creates chaos when users forget to unencrypt Excel file. Users encrypt their files, and later—when they attempt to update Excel with different data—they are unable to decrypt files because they have forgotten their passwords. This situation is too much annoying but now you can effortlessly unencrypt XLS worksheet within minutes. Thinking about how.. You just need to continue with this guide to learn easy method to convert encrypted Excel to unencrypted.

What is “Unencrypt Excel (XLS | XLSX)” File?

In Microsoft Excel, encryption is security feature that prevents users from accessing & editing files. Unencrypted Excel files, however, are much easier to share & edit. They don’t require password, unlike encrypted versions of XLS files.

Steps to Know Excel File is Encrypted

  1. Double-click on Excel file.
  2. If Excel opens without demanding password then they are unencrypted.
  3. If they ask for password, then they are encrypted.

unencrypted excel file

Users can also check if Excel is encrypted by going >> open Excel >> Go to File >> check info after that you need to look >> Protect workbook. It will help you to know that Excel is encrypted or unencrypted. After knowing about the encryption, let’s check out some latest methods to unencrypt Excel files.

Common Reasons to Unencrypt Excel File

Basically, users don’t want to add password every time they try to update Excel sheet. There are some main reasons mentioned below that help you to know why users want to remove encryption from XLS file.

  • Simple to access without hassle of typing password multiple times.
  • Sharing workbook is easier to manage without constant password prompts.
  • Some tools cannot work with encrypted Excel files.
  • Many users want to save encrypt Excel as unencrypted because they fear losing password.

How to Unencrypt Excel File with Password?

If you already know your password and just want to unencrypt Excel file forever then you just need to follow this steps.

  1. Open Excel File.
  2. Enter password, unlock Excel.
    open & add password
  3. After that, go to “File & Info”.
    go to file info
  4. You will see option “Protect workbook.”
  5. Once you find that you need to check for “Encrypt with password.”
    encrypted with password
  6. Delete existing password.
    existing password
  7. Click “Ok.”
    delete password from excel
  8. Now save workbook.

Users can use these same steps if they have encrypted Excel file on macOS and want to save it as unencrypt file without losing structure.

How to Unencrypt Excel Sheet without Password?

If users lose or forget password of encrypted sheet, then it can be difficult task to recover it. In modern era, MS Excel uses strong encryption algorithms. However, there are some methods mentioned below that help you get unencrypt Excel file, but there is no guarantee of full recovery of encrypted Excel sheet.

Windows often saves older versions of files automatically. All users need to follow these steps.

  1. Right-click Excel.
  2. Select properties.
  3. Open “Previous Version Tab”

This method works well for users who have OneDrive backup windows restore enabled. If not, then this method didn’t help you recover password of encrypted Excel file. If you still haven’t find, you can also check your browser password manager, Google Password Manager, Saved passwords in Windows, your Notes apps, and old emails. Sometimes, password find in Team chat messages.

Expert Solution to Unencrypt XLS | XLS Spreadsheet

If nothing works, then you can try third-party solution, whose name is RecoveryTools Office Password Unlocker. This application basically helps users unprotect Excel workbook permanently that is locked with password. This tool was created with advanced algorithms that didn’t save your Excel file that you chose to unencrypt Excel file. Try free version of this application to unencrypt first few files free.

Pro Tips: Before Unencryted XLS Workbooks

  • Always create a backup copy before changing file protection.
  • Make sure removing encryption won’t create security risks.
  • Use password-manager to store every type of password.
  • Don’t search online tool or website solution to get unencrypted Excel file.
  • Avoid online tools, because they can expose your data on public server.

Last Words,

So, you get easy & with without method to get unencrypt Excel file. This blog helps you to know everything without risking your data. Excel sheet contain very important data and creating them in encryption means you want to secure data from unwanted deletion. Choose safe method to unencrypt Excel data. Always keep backups & protect sensitive information properly without losing data. Once encryption is removed from Excel file, they can be easily shared & collaborate.

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