How to unencrypt Excel files
In daily office work, encryption protection of Excel files is a common security measure, but sometimes users may forget their passwords or need to unencrypt them to facilitate collaboration. This article will introduce in detail several methods to decrypt Excel files and provide structured data to help users solve the problem quickly.
1. Types of Excel file encryption

There are two main types of encryption for Excel files:
| Encryption type | Description |
|---|---|
| open password | A password is required to open the file |
| Change password | Require password to edit file |
2. How to Unencrypt Excel Files
The following are several common methods to decrypt Excel files:
| method | Applicable scenarios | Operation steps |
|---|---|---|
| Use password recovery tools | Forgot to open password or change password | 1. Download and install a password recovery tool (such as PassFab for Excel); 2. Select the encrypted Excel file; 3. Select the cracking mode (brute force cracking, dictionary attack, etc.); 4. Wait for the cracking to complete. |
| Dismiss via VBA code | Only applies to changing passwords | 1. Open the Excel file; 2. Press Alt+F11 to open the VBA editor; 3. Insert the module and enter the specific code; 4. Run the code to remove the password. |
| Save as other format | Partially encrypted files | 1. Open the encrypted Excel file; 2. Select "Save As" and select CSV or TXT format; 3. Re-import the data into a new Excel file. |
| Contact the file creator | Cannot be released by oneself | Contact the file creator directly to obtain a password or unencrypted version. |
3. Precautions
When trying to unencrypt an Excel file, you need to pay attention to the following points:
1.legitimacy: Ensure that decryption is in compliance with laws and regulations. Unauthorized cracking of other people's files may involve legal risks.
2.Data backup: Back up files before operation to avoid data loss.
3.Tool safety: Choose a reliable password recovery tool and avoid downloading malware.
4. Recommended popular tools
The following are several Excel password recovery tools that are highly rated by users:
| Tool name | Supported version | Cracking speed |
|---|---|---|
| PassFab for Excel | Excel 2019/2016/2013 etc. | Fast |
| Stellar Phoenix Excel Password Recovery | Excel 365/2019/2016 etc. | medium |
| Excel Password Recovery Master | Excel 2003-2019 | slow |
5. Summary
There are many ways to decrypt Excel files, and users can choose the appropriate method according to their own needs. If it is a simple password change, it may be more convenient to use VBA code or save it in other formats; if it is a complex password opening, you need to use professional tools. No matter which method you use, be sure to pay attention to legality and data security.
I hope this article can help you successfully remove the encryption protection of Excel files and improve your work efficiency!
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