How to Recover Password Protected Excel File? Best Techniques

Overview: Suppose you have locked an Excel file to protect your crucial data, and now you are trying to open the file, but you forgot the password. Does that sound frustrating? If Yes, and you are also one of those who want to recover Excel password, then this is the right blog for you. Here we have discussed the possible methods to retrieve Excel file password using basic password retrieval methods, by changing the file extension type, using VBA code, and a safe solution.

As we all know, MS Excel is used to manage data in cells and columns properly for maintaining financial reports, clients’ records, and more. And Excel allows users to protect their data with a password. And lost & forgotten is a common situation for users. But retrieving Excel password is not an easy task.

But don’t worry, we have tried to explain all the techniques in simple language. Read the complete blog and then select the best technique to recover Excel password, which suits your needs best.

Now, analyze how your Excel file is protected and choose the best technique to retrieve Excel file password.

How to Recover Excel Password? Best Techniques

Yes, we can find the correct password of a protected Excel file using basic techniques and these methods:

• Changing File Extension
• Using VBA Code
• Recover Excel Password with Google Sheets
• Expert Suggested Tool

Method 1: Basic Password Retrieval Techniques

Before choosing any advanced technique to recover Excel password, start with basic steps like:

1. Check Saved Passwords: You can check the browser password manager, company vaults, or review shared documents to find the password.
2. Try Common Variations: Also, you can try common combinations of characters that you used to protect other documents and applications, like CompanyName@123, Year-based passwords, Excel@2024, and Personal names + numbers.
3. Ask Others: If you have shared the file with others, then you can ask them if they have saved the password.

Method 2: Change File Type to ZIP

Still not finding the password, then try this technique to retrieve Excel password by following the given steps:

1. Take a backup: Firstly, you have to create a backup copy of your data.
2. Change Extension: Now right-click on the XLSX file, choose Rename, and change the extension to ZIP.
3. Extract ZIP File: Next, right-click on the file and choose the Extract Here option to extract the folder.
4. Find XML File: Open the XL file and head to the Worksheets folder and look for the XML file.
5. Delete Tag: Open XML file in Notepad, and find “<sheetProtection … />”. If you find it, then remove it from the file.
6. Re-change Extension: Now save the file, and change the extension again from ZIP to XLSX format.

Method 3: VBA Code (Only for Technical Users)

If your XLS file is locked and the previous method is not working for you, then this is the time to choose the technique. Try to use VBA code to recover password protected Excel file. All the steps are mentioned below:

1. First, you have to open a new sheet in Excel.
2. Next, access the VBA Editor using Alt + F11.
3. Hit on the Insert >> Module options.
4. Now copy-paste the suggested code:
   

   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
   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 n = 32 To 126
   ActiveSheet.Unprotect Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & Chr(i3) & Chr(n)
   If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then
   MsgBox “Password is ” & Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & Chr(i3) & Chr(n)
   Exit Sub
   End If
   Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next
   End Sub

5. To start the macro, use the F5 key.
6. Now your file will unlock, or a pop-up will appear with the password.

Method 4: Retrieve Excel Password with Google Sheets

You can use Google Sheets to recover Excel password that is locked with sheet, editing, and read-only protection.

1. Import your locked file into Google Drive.
2. Next, open the locked file with Google Sheets.
3. After opening, head to the File >> Download >> MS Excel (.xlsx) format.

Why Does Only this Software to Retrieve Excel Password?

Here are the top-notch features of why you should use this solution only:

• The Brute Force attack can retrieve the unknown password of an Excel file; it tries every character combination to guess the correct password.
• Also, if your password is partially known, then it will guess the password without taking too much time.
• This is the only solution that gives 100% surety and accuracy of password recovery.
• It can handle large file sizes easily without having any restrictions.
• Also, it maintains the original data without modifying the original data file.
• It can easily open password protected Excel file that is locked with Open-Password encryption type.

How to Recover Excel Password? Tool’s Steps

1. Download it using the given button and install it.

   

2. Locate the path of your locked file and import it using the Browse >> Open button.

   

3. Next, you have to select the Recovery Mode: Unknown Password or Partially Known Password options.

   

4. After that, you have to provide information (if knowns).

   

5. Now, hit the Recover button to recover Excel password.

   

Conclusion

If you have forgotten and want to recover Excel password then this is the right blog. Here we have described all the possible techniques using basic practices, VBA Code, by changing file extension, and an automatic solution. All manual ways are best for normal protection, like sheets, editing, and read-only. For strong encryption like Open-Password, you have to use the automated solution to retrieve forgotten password of Excel file easily. We are available 24*7, you can contact us through live chat support.