I am adding a password to an excel spreadsheet and the 'Protect Workbook' field does not change to 'Unprotect Workbook'

Karl Maerz 0 Reputation points
2026-08-02T14:53:03.9+00:00

I am adding a password to an excel spreadsheet and the 'Protect Workbook' field does not change to 'Unprotect Workbook'

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Other
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  1. Aetherin 200 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-02T15:29:35.3366667+00:00

    Hi @Karl Maerz,

    Could you confirm how you're adding the password? Are you using Review > Protect Workbook? 

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    Also, just to make sure I understand correctly, is your concern that the "Protect Workbook" button on the ribbon does not change to "Unprotect Workbook" after protection is enabled? 

    In some Excel versions, the button label may remain "Protect Workbook" even when workbook protection is active.

    To verify: Go to Review > Protect Workbook again. If Excel prompts you for a password, the workbook structure is already protected. Entering the password at that prompt will remove the protection.

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    Please let me know if there are any updates. If I have misunderstood your situation, please feel free to clarify.

    I look forward to your response.

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