Excel work book password

Jackie Habit 0

I didn't even know I put a passwork on this workbook and need to add more data. How can I find out the passwork I put on the workbook?

John Jefferson Doyon 82,935 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-29T19:28:37.2066667+00:00
Hi, @Jackie Habit

Excel does not show or recover a forgotten workbook password.

To narrow this down:

Can you open the workbook, but cannot edit or add data?

What exact password message appears?

Is the file saved in OneDrive, or do you have an older backup copy?

If the workbook opens, go to the “Review” tab and check whether “Unprotect Sheet” or “Unprotect Workbook” appears. You will still need the password to remove the protection.

Try passwords you commonly used when the file was created. Also check OneDrive version history or an older copy that may not be protected.

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