Unprotecting an Excel sheet online refers to the process of removing sheet protection from an Excel file stored on a cloud platform or accessible through a web application. However, it's crucial to be cautious as this process can potentially expose sensitive data to security risks if not done using secure and trusted platforms. In this article, we will guide you through four reliable methods to unprotect Excel sheets online and recommend a perfect software solution.
Part 1. 4 Easy Ways to Unprotect an Excel Sheet Online?
When it comes to Excel sheets, sometimes you need to remove that protective shield. In this section, we'll show you four easy methods to do just that, right from your computer. Whether you prefer using Microsoft Excel, a clever zip trick, Google Sheets, or diving into VBA, we've got you covered. Let's get started!
Here are 4 easy ways to unprotect an Excel sheet online, along with my comments about my experience with each method:
#1. Using Microsoft Excel
This is the simplest way to unprotect an Excel sheet if you know the password. Just follow these steps:
Step 1. Open the protected Excel sheet.
Step 2. Click on the Review tab.
Step 3. In the Changes group, click Unprotect Sheet.
Step 4. If the sheet is protected with a password, enter the password and click OK.
This method is the most straightforward and reliable way to unprotect an Excel sheet. However, it is only possible if you know the password.
#2. Using Zip
This method can be used to unprotect an Excel sheet without knowing the password. However, it requires some technical knowledge.
Step 1. Right-click on the Excel sheet and select Extract All.
Step 2. In the Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders dialog box, select the Excel sheet and click Extract.
Step 3. The Excel sheet will be extracted to a new folder. The .xlsx file will be renamed to .zip.
Step 4. Right-click on the .zip file and select Extract All.
Step 5. In the Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders dialog box, select the xlsx folder and click Extract.
Step 6. The Excel sheet will be extracted to a new folder. The sheet will be unprotected.
This method is a bit more complicated than the first method, but it can be used to unprotect an Excel sheet even if you don't know the password.
#3. Uploading to Google Sheets
This method is a quick and easy way to unprotect an Excel sheet without knowing the password. However, it only works if you have a Google account.
Step 1. Open the Google Sheets website.
Step 2. Click on the File tab.
Step 3. Click Upload unprotect an Excel sheet.
Step 4. Wait to upload.
The Excel sheet will be uploaded to Google Sheets. The sheet will be unprotected.
This method is the easiest way to unprotect an Excel sheet if you don't have Microsoft Excel installed. However, it does require you to have a Google account.
#4. Using VBA in Excel
This method can be used to unprotect an Excel sheet without knowing the password. However, it requires some knowledge of VBA.
Step 1. Open the Excel sheet that you want to unprotect.
Step 2. Press Alt+F11 to open the Visual Basic Editor (VBA Editor).
Step 3. In the VBA Editor, click on the Insert tab.
Step 4. In the Module group, click Module.
Step 5. Copy and paste the following code into the new module:
Sub UnprotectSheet() 'Unprotects the active sheet ActiveSheet. UnprotectEnd Sub
Step 6. Press F5 to run the macro.
The active sheet will be unprotected.
This method is the most powerful way to unprotect an Excel sheet. However, it requires some knowledge of VBA.
Resonating Reminder:
Unprotecting an Excel sheet online can be convenient, but it's important to prioritize security. Choose trustworthy platforms and take steps to ensure your data remains safe throughout the process.
Here are some specific things to keep in mind:
Do your research. Not all online platforms that offer services to unprotect Excel sheets are secure. Choose a platform that has a good reputation and security practices.
Be selective about what information you share. When you unprotect an Excel sheet, you are essentially giving anyone who has access to the file the ability to view and edit its contents. Be careful about what information you include in the sheet, and only share it with people you trust.
Use strong passwords. If you are using a password to protect your Excel sheet, make sure it is strong and unique. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Back up your data. Before you unprotect an Excel sheet, be sure to back up your data. This way, if something goes wrong, you will have a copy of the original file.
Part 2. How to edit your excel sheet for Free — WPS Office
In this section, we'll delve into the focal point of this article: utilizing WPS Office for editing your Excel sheets, and the steps to do so effectively. WPS Office is a versatile and free office suite that allows you to open, create, edit, and save Microsoft Office files, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It's fully compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Pros of Using WPS Office:
Free to Use: WPS Office is completely free, making it a budget-friendly option for individuals and small businesses.
Microsoft Office Compatibility: It seamlessly works with Microsoft Office file formats, ensuring you can open, edit, and save files without any issues.
Available on Windows and Mac: It's accessible on both Windows and Mac operating systems, providing flexibility for a wide range of users.
User-Friendly Interface: WPS Office has an intuitive design, making it easy for users of all levels of experience.
Comprehensive Features: It offers a robust set of tools, comparable to Microsoft Office, to support productive work.
Cloud Integration: You can save and access your files from popular cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
Cons of Using WPS Office:
Limited Advanced Features: Some advanced features available in Microsoft Office may not be present in WPS Office.
Ads and Promotions: The free version may include ads and promotions, which can be slightly distracting. However, a premium version is available without these.
Potential Compatibility Issues: Complex documents with intricate formatting may not always render perfectly in WPS Office.
Less Familiarity: Users accustomed to Microsoft Office may need a little time to adjust to WPS Office.
Steps to Edit Word/Excel/PowerPoint in WPS Office:
Step 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Start by visiting the official website of WPS Office at https://www.wps.com. From there, download the suite and follow the prompts to install it on your computer.
Step 2. Open WPS Office and Select Your File: Launch WPS Office and locate your Excel file on your computer. You can do this by clicking on the 'Open' option within the software.
Step 3. Edit Your Excel Sheet: Once your file is open, you'll have access to all the familiar tools and features you'd expect from Microsoft Excel. Make the necessary edits or changes to your sheet.
Step 4. Save Your Edited File: After you've made your modifications, go to the 'File' menu and select 'Save' or 'Save As' to save your edited Excel sheet.
WPS Office provides a seamless experience for working with Microsoft Office files, and its compatibility with both Windows and Mac platforms makes it a versatile choice for users of all kinds.
FAQS:
1.How do I unprotect all workbook sheets?
To unprotect all workbook sheets in Excel, follow these steps:
Step 1. Open the Excel workbook that contains the protected sheets.
Step 2. Go to the "Review" tab on the Excel ribbon.
Step 3. Click on "Unprotect Sheet" in the "Changes" group. If your workbook is password-protected, you'll need to enter the correct password.
Step 4. Repeat this process for each sheet in the workbook that you want to unprotect.
By following these steps, you'll be able to unprotect all the sheets in your Excel workbook.
2.Why did my Excel sheet become protected?
Your Excel sheet might become protected due to Excel's default security settings. For instance, if you download a file from the internet or open one from an email, Excel may put it in a "Protected View" to ensure safety. This is a precautionary measure to prevent potentially harmful files from executing malicious code. Remember, being in "Protected View" doesn't necessarily mean the file is harmful, it's just a safety measure. If you trust the source, you can enable editing. Always be cautious with files from unknown sources.
Summary
This article has provided you with four effective methods to unprotect Excel sheets online. Remember, security should always be a priority. Additionally, we highlighted the benefits of using WPS Office, a reliable free alternative for editing Microsoft Office files. Ensure your data remains safe while enjoying the convenience of online sheet protection removal.
