If you forgot the password of an Excel workbook, removing protection depends on the type of security applied. For simple worksheet or workbook restrictions, some manual methods may work, but they are not effective for files protected with strong encryption.
If the workbook is protected with an open password or advanced encryption like AES-256, the password cannot be directly removed by editing XML files, changing the file extension, or using VBA scripts. These methods only work for basic sheet-level restrictions and may not help when the entire workbook is encrypted.
The most reliable approach is to recover the original password using a professional password recovery tool. SysTools Excel Password Recovery Tool is designed to recover forgotten Excel workbook passwords and help users regain access to protected XLS/XLSX files.
The tool uses advanced recovery techniques, including:
- Brute Force Attack – Tries different possible password combinations until the correct password is found.
- Mask Attack – Helps recover passwords faster when you remember certain password details like characters, length, or patterns.
SysTools Excel Password Recovery Tool supports Excel files protected with modern encryption, including AES-256, and works with multiple Excel versions such as Excel 2025, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007.
Steps to recover the password:
- Open SysTools Excel Password Recovery Tool.
- Add your protected Excel workbook.
- Select a recovery method (Brute Force or Mask Attack).
- Start the password recovery process.
- Use the recovered password to unprotect and edit your Excel workbook.
If the workbook contains important data and you do not remember the password, password recovery software is a safer option than trying unreliable methods that may damage the file.
