How to Remove Encryption From Excel [Quickest Ways]

We recommend using the Protect Workbook option

by Afam Onyimadu
Afam Onyimadu
Afam Onyimadu
Editor
Afam is a geek and the go-to among his peers for computer solutions. He has a wealth of experience with Windows operating systems, dating back to his introduction... read more
Updated on
Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • Encryption in Excel is important if you want to guarantee maximum safety and privacy of your data.
  • Removing encryption is a straightforward process if you have the original worksheet password.
XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE
To fix Windows PC system issues, you will need a dedicated tool Fortect is a tool that does not simply clean up your PC, but has a repository with several millions of Windows System files stored in their initial version. When your PC encounters a problem, Fortect will fix it for you, by replacing bad files with fresh versions. To fix your current PC issue, here are the steps you need to take:
  1. Download Fortect and install it on your PC.
  2. Start the tool's scanning process to look for corrupt files that are the source of your problem
  3. Right-click on Start Repair so the tool could start the fixing algorythm
  • Fortect has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

Excel allows you to safeguard sensitive data, such as financial or personal information, by encrypting the data and preventing unauthorized access without the correct password. However, there are instances where knowing how to remove encryption from Excel will be useful.

So, in this guide, we will show you our most recommended solutions. If you are curious about encryption, you may also read our guide on file encryption software for Windows.

Why do I need to remove encryption from Excel?

While encryption serves very important uses, you may need to remove it for any of the following reasons:

  • You have forgotten the password to your worksheet. 
  • Someone that does not have your password needs access to the worksheet.
  • You need to apply specific changes to a file. 

If you have forgotten your credentials, we recommend using any robust software to recover Microsoft Excel passwords.

How do I unlock an encrypted Excel File?

How do I remove encryption from Excel with a password?

1. Use Unprotect VBA script

  1. Launch the Excel sheet and press Alt + F11.
  2. Click the Insert menu and select Module.
    how to remove encryption from excel
  3. Type in the script below replacing your_password_here with the password used to encrypt the sheet:
    Sub RemoveEncryption()
    Dim password As String
    password = "your_password_here" ' Replace "your_password_here" with the actual password

    On Error Resume Next
    ActiveSheet.Unprotect password
    On Error GoTo 0

    If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then
    MsgBox "Encryption removed successfully!"
    Else
    MsgBox "Failed to remove encryption. Please check the password."
    End If
    End Sub
  4. Click the Run icon.
    how to remove encryption from excel
  5. You should get a message saying Encryption removed succesfully.

2. Use the Protect Workbook option

  1. Launch the Excel sheet, input the password when prompted, and hit OK.
    how to remove encryption from excel
  2. Click on File, then Info.
    how to remove encryption from excel
  3. Expand Protect Workbook and click on Encrypt with Password.
    how to remove encryption from excel
  4. Finally, delete the password.
    how to remove encryption from excel
  5. Click OK, and you should have successfully removed encryption.

How do I remove encryption from Excel without a password?

Use a VBA script

  1. Launch the Excel sheet and press Alt + F11.
  2. Click the Insert menu and select Module.how to remove encryption from excel
  3. Type in the script below and hit the Run icon.
    Sub PasswordBreaker()
    Dim i As Integer, j As Integer, k As Integer
    Dim l As Integer, m As Integer, n As Integer
    Dim i1 As Integer, i2 As Integer, i3 As Integer
    Dim i4 As Integer, i5 As Integer, i6 As Integer
    On Error Resume Next
    For i = 65 To 66: For j = 65 To 66: For k = 65 To 66
    For l = 65 To 66: For m = 65 To 66: For i1 = 65 To 66
    For i2 = 65 To 66: For i3 = 65 To 66: For i4 = 65 To 66
    For i5 = 65 To 66: For i6 = 65 To 66: For n = 32 To 126
    ActiveSheet.Unprotect Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & _
    Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & Chr(i3) & _
    Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n)
    If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then
    MsgBox "One usable password is " & Chr(i) & Chr(j) & _
    Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & _
    Chr(i3) & Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n)
    Exit Sub
    End If
    Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
    Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
    End Sub
    how to remove encryption from excel
  4. Click OK to find that you have successfully removed encryption from the Excel sheet.

We have now comprehensively covered how to remove encryption from Excel. The solutions in this guide should be easy to follow if you do not skip any steps.

We love to bring you a lot of help with this tool, so you may check out our other guide on fixing Excel’s sharing violation error.

Finally, please do not hesitate to tell us what solutions you love the most in the comment section.

Still experiencing issues?

SPONSORED

If the above suggestions have not solved your problem, your computer may experience more severe Windows troubles. We suggest choosing an all-in-one solution like Fortect to fix problems efficiently. After installation, just click the View&Fix button and then press Start Repair.

This article covers:Topics: