This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(44.800000000000004, 9%, 14%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EAL%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
I have windows 11. Recently, every time I log off (whether due to an idle time logout or an intentional logout) then login, one or more of my protected excel files that was open on my screen, requires me to enter in the protection password for that file. Is this a new security feature or is it a bug? This occurs even if I save the file prior to my logging off. Previously, if the file was left open prior to logging off, it would reopen without the need for a password.
Miscellaneous topics that do not fit into specific categories.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(89.60000000000001, 72%, 18%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ESD%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hi Andrew, I tested the given condition, and it does seem that the password is now required if you sign in again. Excel does not cache protection passwords across sessions for security reasons.
Are you sure you were not putting the PC to sleep previously?
I’m eager to hear back and work together to find a solution.
Basically, all I did in the past, and currently, was to let it time out and go to sleep. when I logged back in, the excel file was active without entering the password. with an actual log off, I did have to enter the password. It wasn't until recently that I noticed that I now need to enter the PW regardless. Since I didn't read about the new change, I was concerned it was either a bug or a security concern. Now it appears it's a security enhancement. Thank you for your immediate responses and resolution.
It sounds like you are experiencing a change in behavior with how protected Excel files are handled after logging off in Windows 11. This could be related to security features designed to enhance the protection of sensitive data. While the specific context does not mention this exact issue, it is possible that recent updates or security policies in Windows 11 are enforcing stricter access controls on protected files, requiring you to re-enter the password upon reopening the files after a logoff.
If this behavior is not what you experienced previously, it might be worth checking for any updates or changes in your system settings related to Excel or Windows security. Additionally, if this is affecting your workflow, you may want to consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance or to confirm if this is an intended change or a bug.
References: