Change or remove workbook passwords

Workbook passwords can be changed or removed by anyone who knows the current password.

Caution: Passwords in Excel for Mac and Word for Mac have a 15-character limit. You cannot open a workbook or document that has been password protected in the Windows-based version of Excel or Word if the password is longer than fifteen characters. If you want to open the file in Office for Mac, ask the Windows-based author to adjust the password length.

Do any of the following:

Change a workbook password

Caution: When you create a password for a workbook, write down the password and keep it in a secure place. If you lose the password, you can't open or gain access to the password-protected workbook.

1. Open the workbook that you want to change the password for.

2. On the Review tab, under Protection, click Passwords.

3. In the Password to open box or Password to modify box, select all contents.

4. Type the new password, and then click OK.

5. In the Confirm Password dialog box, type the password again, and then click OK.

6. Click Save  .

Remove a workbook password

1. Open the workbook that you want to remove the password from.

2. On the Review tab, under Protection, click Passwords.

3. Select all contents in the Password to open box or the Password to modify box, and then press DELETE.

4. Click Save  .

See also

Require a password to open or modify a workbook

Restrict permission to content in a file

Restricting changes by using read-only status