How to Password Protect / Encrypt a File in Excel

This tutorial demonstrates how to password protect a file in Excel.

Encrypt a File

Add Password in Info Settings

There are several ways to protect an Excel file with a password. Here are the steps for encrypting a file through Info settings:

1. In the Ribbon, go to File > Info. Click Protect Workbook and choose Encrypt with Password.

2. In the pop-up window, type in a password and click OK.

3. Reenter the password.
   As a result, the workbook is protected with a password, and if you go back to the Ribbon, File > Info, you get the message that a password is required to open this workbook.

Password Protect From the Review Tab

Another way to encrypt a file with a password is to go through the Ribbon.

1. Go to Review > Protect Workbook.

2. In the pop-up window, type in a password, and click OK.

3. Reenter the password.
   Now the file is locked with a password, and if you go back to the Review tab, the Protect Workbook icon is grayed.

Password Protect at Save

You can also protect an Excel file while saving it.

1. In the Ribbon, go to File > Save As.

2. In the save window, click More options…

3. In the bottom-right of the Browse window, click Tools and choose General Options…

4. In the General Options pop-up, type in a password to open and modify. Then click OK.

5. Type in the password once more to confirm.
   The file is now locked with a password.

Tip: You have options for the type of protection on a workbook. See how to mark a workbook as final or lock specific cells. On the other hand, change a read-only file or unprotect a workbook.