Change or remove workbook passwords (2024)

Workbook passwords can be changed or removed by anyone who knows the current password.

Caution:Passwords in Excel for Mac and Word for Mac have a 15-character limit. You cannot open a workbook or document that has been password protected in the Windows-based version of Excel or Word if the password is longer than fifteen characters. If you want to open the file in Office for Mac, ask the Windows-based author to adjust the password length.

1. Open the workbook that you want to change or remove the password for.

2. On the Review tab, click Protect Sheet or Protect Workbook.

   

3. Click Unprotect Sheet or Protect Workbook and enter the password.

   Clicking Unprotect Sheet automatically removes the password from the sheet.

4. To add a new password, click Protect Sheet or Protect Workbook, type and confirm the new password, and then click OK.

   To remove a password from the workbook, click Protect Workbook, and then click OK without entering a new password.

See also

Require a password to open or modify a workbook