If you have sensitive data you'd like to keep from prying eyes in a Microsoft Excel file, the easiest way to protect it is with Excel's built-in password tools.

There are several options available to you to protect your Excel file with a password. Remember that once you protect the Excel file, you cannot open it without entering the password.

Whether you use the Excel apps on Windows and Mac or Excel web on a Chromebook, check the top ways to password-protect an Excel spreadsheet.

To remove protection from the spreadsheet, open it in Excel, click the "Review" tab and then click "Unprotect Sheet" in the Changes group. Type the password into the Password field and click "OK." ...

Password-Protected Macros Open the Excel worksheet where you wish to place the macro and then activate the Visual Basic for Applications options by turning on the Developer tab.

How do I password-protect an Excel file on desktop? To password-protect an Excel file or Excel Workbook on your Windows 11/10 desktop, follow these steps: ...

You worked hard to put that Excel sheet together, now protect it from unintended damage.