Learn how to unprotect Excel sheets or workbooks without a password using this simple step-by-step guide. No software required!

Whether you’ve forgotten the password or received a protected file from someone else, unlocking an Excel spreadsheet without the password may seem like an insurmountable challenge.

If you have sensitive data you'd like to keep from prying eyes in a Microsoft Excel file, the easiest way to protect it is with Excel's built-in password tools.