Protect an Excel file

To prevent others from accessing data in your Excel files, protect your Excel file with a password.

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Note: This topic covers file-level protection only, and not workbook or worksheet protection. To learn the difference between protecting your Excel file, workbook, or a worksheet, see Protection and security in Excel.

1. Select File >Info.
2. Select the Protect Workbook box and choose Encrypt with Password.
3. Enter a password in the Password box, and then select OK.
4. Confirm the password in the Reenter Password box, and then select OK.

• Microsoft cannot retrieve forgotten passwords, so be sure that your password is especially memorable.
• There are no restrictions on the passwords you use with regards to length, characters or numbers, but passwords are case-sensitive.
• It’s not always secure to distribute password-protected files that contain sensitive information such as credit card numbers.
• Be cautious when sharing files or passwords with other users. You still run the risk of passwords them falling into the hands of unintended users. Remember that locking a file with a password does not necessarily protect your file from malicious intent.

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