Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 28, 2020)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013
Excel includes a feature that allows you to save a workbook using a password so that only others who have the password can access the file. This form of protection can stop others from using a workbook unless they know your password. To save a workbook using password protection, follow these steps:
Figure 1. The General Options dialog box.
The General Options dialog box contains boxes where you can enter two passwords. Each password controls a different level of protection. If you fill in the first password field, you are specifying the password someone needs to know simply to open the workbook. If you fill in the second field, then someone needs to know that password to make any changes to the workbook. Understand that they can still save the open workbook under a new name, but they cannot make any changes and save them back into the same disk file.
You should set your passwords as desired, and then click on OK to dismiss the General Options dialog box. You are asked to confirm your password, and then you can continue to save your file (using the Save As dialog box) as you normally would.
As a final caveat, you should note that none of the native (built-in) password schemes in Excel are particularly robust. If you want the best protection possible, you should look to a third-party solution for encrypting and protecting your workbooks.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (6119) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Saving a Workbook Using Passwords.
Comprehensive VBA Guide Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the language used for writing macros in all Office programs. This complete guide shows both professionals and novices how to master VBA in order to customize the entire Office suite for their needs. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2010 today!
Excel allows you to apply protection to your workbooks. If you want to later change the passwords associated with that ...
Discover MoreIf you cannot add a worksheet to your workbook, it could be because the workbook is protected. This tip shows how to ...
Discover MoreWant to stop other people from making unauthorized changes to your workbook? Excel provides a way that you can protect ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2023-07-19 10:41:47
J. Woolley
@Gregory F Felts
To block access to sheet #5:
1. Update sheet #5.
2. Hide sheet #5.
See https://excelribbon.tips.net/T006713_Hiding_and_Unhiding_Worksheets.html
3. Protect the workbook structure; include a password.
See https://excelribbon.tips.net/T008530_Protecting_an_Entire_Workbook.html
4. You might want to protect the other four worksheets, too.
See https://excelribbon.tips.net/T010282_Using_a_Protected_Worksheet.html
5. Test your macros.
To view/update sheet #5, reverse steps 1-3 (only).
My Excel Toolbox includes the following function to return the protection status (TRUE/FALSE) of a Target cell's worksheet or workbook:
=IsProtected([Choice],[Target])
Choice for a worksheet is Contents (default), Shapes, Interface, or Scenarios
and Choice for a workbook is Sheets (structure) or Windows.
Target's default is the formula's cell.
My Excel Toolbox also includes the following dynamic array function to return the status of the 12 protection options for the formula cell's worksheet:
=ListProtectionOptions()
My Excel Toolbox's SpillArray function (described in UseSpillArray.pdf) simulates a dynamic array in older versions of Excel.
See https://sites.google.com/view/MyExcelToolbox
2023-07-16 16:02:30
Gregory F Felts
Is there a way to Block access to only one sheet in a workbook? 5 Sheets in a workbook, sheets 1-4 everyone has access to and all the information contained within, but sheet #5 has privy information that not everyone needs. Sheet #5 is UPDATED from a combination of two CVS file once a week and is used to update sheets 1-4. Would like to have to enter a Password to OPEN sheet #5.
As it is now, I update Sheet 5 with info from two CVS files then Update sheets 1-4 with a macro. THe BOSS needs all the info on Sheet #5 but not everyone else does.
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments