Unlocking an Excel workbook without a password can be crucial when access is impeded due to forgotten credentials. Although password protection is an effective security measure, it can inadvertently obstruct authorized users. Fortunately, there are several methods to bypass this obstacle and regain access to the workbook’s contents.
One approach involves utilizing VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code, which can be automatically generated when recording a macro. This method entails accessing the Visual Basic Editor, inserting a module, and executing the code to reveal a cracked password.
Another method involves using the copy-paste option to view the content of a password-protected sheet, although it doesn’t provide direct access to the workbook. Employing specialized password recovery tools like iSeePassword Excel Password Recovery for newer Excel versions can streamline the process. This software allows users to unlock protected workbooks efficiently, saving valuable time.
Unlocking an Excel Workbook Without Using a Password
Setting a password before sharing a workbook ensures the security of confidential data and prevents unauthorized alterations. However, remembering the password can ensure access to the workbook. Nonetheless, there are various methods to both set and remove passwords. Let’s explore them below.
Method 1: Using VBA Code
The primary approach to unprotecting an Excel workbook without a password involves utilizing a VBA code. Put plainly, this is a customizable programming code created automatically when a user records a macro.
Access the password-protected Excel sheet on your device.
Simultaneously press the Alt + F11 keys to open the Visual Basic Editor.
Right-click on the workbook name displayed in the left pane of your screen.
Choose Insert, then Module.
Paste the provided code into the appearing window:
Sub PasswordBreaker()
‘Breaks worksheet password protection.
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 “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
Press F5 to execute the macro.
The macro will then generate a cracked password, which, while not the original, will still grant access to the workbook.
Method 2: Copy Content to Unprotected Worksheet
Another approach to unlocking a password-protected Excel sheet is to use the copy-paste option. While this method won’t help you break the password, it lets you view the content.
Launch Excel on your Windows laptop.
Open the password-protected sheet and use the Shift + Ctrl + End keys to select the used cells in the worksheet.
Press Ctrl + C to copy the content of the selected cells.
Press Ctrl + N to open a new sheet within the same workbook.
Press Ctrl + V to paste the content of the password-protected sheet.
Using Google Sheets
To use another workaround for unprotecting an Excel worksheet without a password, you’ll need a Google Drive account.
Open your Google Drive account.
Click the “New” button located at the top left corner of the screen.
From the “New” menu, select “Google Sheets” and then click on “Blank spreadsheet.”
In the blank spreadsheet, click on “File” in the toolbar, then select “Import.”
In the Import file dialogue box, navigate to the “Upload” tab from the menu and click the “Select a file from your device” button.
Browse and locate the Excel workbook on your local drive. Select the file, and then click “Open” to upload it. Alternatively, drag and drop the Excel file into the Import file box.
While importing, select the “Replace spreadsheet” option, then click on the “Import Data” button.
Once you’ve completed the import process, your protected Excel worksheet will be imported into your Google Sheets with all the data intact. You’ll notice that the worksheet is no longer protected, allowing you to freely edit the data as needed.
Unlocking Excel Sheets Without Passwords: 2013 and 2016 Edition
We attempted the aforementioned methods on Microsoft Excel LTSC Professional Plus 2021 but did not yield the desired results. Utilizing the Excel password recovery tool for newer versions can save time and allow you to unprotect sheets without a password. Below, we outline the steps to use the iSeePassword Excel Password Recovery tool.
Visit the official iSeePassword Excel Password Recovery tool website to purchase and download the tool onto your device.
Execute the downloaded file to initiate the installation process.
Select “Add File” to import a password-protected sheet.
Choose an attack method under “Select an attack type.”
Securing Your Workbook in Excel: Best Practices
To lock the entire workbook and prevent users from adding, moving, renaming, or deleting worksheets, as well as viewing hidden sheets, follow these steps:
Navigate to the Review tab.
In the Changes group, locate and click the “Protect Workbook” button.
Under “Protect workbook for,” choose one or both of the following options:
Check the “Structure” box to safeguard the workbook’s structure. This prevents the following actions:
Viewing hidden worksheets.
Renaming, moving, hiding, or deleting sheets.
Inserting new sheets and chart sheets. However, users can still insert charts into existing worksheets.
Moving or copying sheets to another workbook.
Check the “Windows” box to maintain the size and position of workbook windows. This prevents users from moving, resizing, minimizing, or closing the workbook windows.
Please note that the “Windows” option is not available (greyed out) in Excel 2013 and higher versions, as shown in the screenshot above. This is because Microsoft introduced the Single Document Interface in Excel 2013, where each workbook has its top-level window that can be minimized, restored, and closed.
In the “Password” box, enter a password and then click the “OK” button. It’s important to note that a password is optional. However, if you don’t enter a password, anybody can unlock your workbook with a simple button click.
Retype the password in the “Confirm Password” window and click “OK.” That’s all there is to it!
FAQs
What are the common methods to achieve this?
Common methods include using VBA code to reveal a cracked password, employing the copy-paste option to view content, or utilizing specialized password recovery tools like iSeePassword Excel Password Recovery.
Can VBA code effectively bypass password protection?
Yes, VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code can be utilized to reveal a cracked password, granting access to the workbook’s contents.
Does the copy-paste method provide direct access to the workbook?
No, the copy-paste method allows users to view the content of a password-protected sheet but does not provide direct access to the entire workbook.
How does specialized password recovery software simplify the process?
Tools like iSeePassword Excel Password Recovery streamline the process by efficiently unlocking protected workbooks, saving time and effort.
What are the implications of protecting a workbook?
Protecting a workbook prevents unauthorized actions such as renaming or deleting sheets, ensuring the security and integrity of the workbook’s structure and contents.
Is setting an optional password advisable?
Setting an optional password adds a layer of security to the workbook, preventing unauthorized access and safeguarding sensitive information.
Conclusion
Unprotecting an Excel workbook without a password is essential for regaining access to valuable data when credentials are forgotten. Various methods, such as VBA code, the copy-paste option, or specialized password recovery tools, offer effective solutions to bypass password protection.
While these techniques provide practical means to unlock workbooks, it’s crucial to understand the implications of workbook protection and consider setting optional passwords for added security. Overall, navigating unprotecting Excel workbooks without passwords ensures continued accessibility to critical information while maintaining data integrity and security.
