Spreadsheet utility - On-device
Unlock Excel sheet protection locally
Remove supported worksheet and workbook-structure protection from an authorized, unencrypted XLSX file.
Memory-only processing
Inspection and package rebuilding happen in this browser.
XLSX protection only
Opening-password encryption, legacy XLS and XLSM files are unsupported.
Workspace
Unlock Excel workbook protection
Your workbook stays in this browser. v1 removes supported sheet and workbook protection from unencrypted XLSX files; it does not crack opening passwords.
Drop one XLSX here or choose a file. Maximum 50 MB.
Choose an XLSX file to inspect it locally.
Before download
Keep the original and verify the workbook.
The tool targets supported protection records in an authorized, unencrypted XLSX file. Open the downloaded copy in Excel or another compatible application before relying on it.
Use it well
Remove supported protection from a new copy.
The workbook must already open. Keep the original and verify the downloaded XLSX in a compatible spreadsheet application.
01
Choose an XLSX file
02
Review detected protection
03
Download and verify the new workbook
What kind of Excel lock does this remove?
The tool removes supported worksheet protection and workbook-structure protection from an unencrypted XLSX file. These controls can prevent editing cells, changing sheet structure or modifying workbook structure after the file has already opened.
It does not decrypt a workbook that asks for a password before opening. It also does not fix Windows Protected View, a file marked read-only by the operating system, or a workbook currently locked by another user or application.
Four different problems are often called an Excel lock
| What happens | Likely cause | Supported here |
|---|---|---|
| The file asks for a password before opening | Opening-password encryption | No |
| The workbook opens but cells or sheets cannot be edited | Worksheet protection | Yes, for supported XLSX files |
| Sheets cannot be added, removed, hidden or reordered | Workbook-structure protection | Yes, for supported XLSX files |
| Excel says the file is read-only, in Protected View or being edited elsewhere | Operating-system, trust or collaboration state | No |
Supported and unsupported files
Supported
- Unencrypted XLSX files
- Supported worksheet-protection records
- Supported workbook-structure protection
- Files within the current visible 50 MB limit
- Creation of a separate modified XLSX copy
Not supported
- Opening-password-encrypted workbooks
- Legacy XLS files
- Macro-enabled XLSM files in the current version
- Digitally signed OOXML packages
- Damaged archives or unsupported protection mechanisms
- Password recovery or password disclosure
What changes in the workbook?
XLSX files are ZIP-based OOXML packages. The tool removes supported protection elements from the relevant workbook XML and rebuilds the package locally. It is not intended to change formulas, values or formatting, but the downloaded copy must still be opened and checked in Excel or another compatible spreadsheet application.
The tool does not reveal the previous protection password. It creates a new copy without the selected supported protection records.
Common questions
Can it remove the password required to open an Excel file?
No. Opening-password encryption is intentionally unsupported. The workbook must already open before this tool can inspect its XLSX package.
Can it remove worksheet protection?
Yes, for supported protection records in an unencrypted XLSX file that you own or are authorized to modify.
Can it remove workbook-structure protection?
Yes, when the supported workbook-structure protection is stored in an otherwise unencrypted XLSX package.
Does it recover or display the old password?
No. It removes selected protection records from a new copy. It does not recover or reveal the previous password.
Does it support XLS or XLSM files?
No. The current version supports unencrypted XLSX packages only. Legacy XLS and macro-enabled XLSM files are not accepted.
Are formulas, values or formatting changed?
The tool targets protection elements rather than worksheet data, but every rebuilt workbook should be opened and verified before use.
Why are signed workbooks blocked?
Rebuilding the package would invalidate its digital signature. Signed files are blocked to avoid producing a copy with misleading authenticity signals.
Is the workbook uploaded?
No. Inspection and package rebuilding happen in the browser. The original file remains on the device.
Can it fix Protected View or a file locked by another user?
No. Those states are controlled by Excel, Windows, file permissions or a collaboration service rather than worksheet-protection XML.
Is the original workbook changed?
No. The browser downloads a separate copy. Keep the original and verify the downloaded workbook before replacing anything.
What is the file-size limit?
The current limit is 50 MB. Large workbooks can require significant browser memory and should preferably be processed on a desktop computer.