There are several Excel password recovery tools available, but their recovery methods, supported Excel versions, and ease of use vary. Below are five popular options, starting with SysTools Excel Password Recovery, which is a strong choice for recovering unknown Excel passwords offline.

1. SysTools Excel Password Recovery — Best Overall

SysTools Excel Password Recovery is a suitable option when you have completely forgotten the Excel password and need to recover it offline. Unlike solutions that require you to remember part of the password, it supports brute-force recovery for unknown passwords.

The software provides two advanced recovery modes, allowing users to choose an approach depending on what they know about the lost password. This can be useful when the password is completely unknown or when you have some idea about its characteristics.

The main advantage is that the recovery process takes place on the local computer, so you don't have to upload the protected Excel file to an online service.

Key features

• Recovers forgotten Excel workbook passwords
• Supports brute-force password recovery
• Provides two advanced recovery modes
• Works offline
• Supports XLS and XLSX files
• Preserves the original Excel file
• Suitable when the complete password is unknown
• Simple interface for non-technical users

Best for: Users who have forgotten the entire Excel password and want an offline recovery solution with advanced recovery options.

2. FreeViewer Excel Password Recovery

FreeViewer Excel Password Recovery is another option for users looking to recover passwords from protected Excel files. It provides a straightforward interface and focuses on recovering lost or forgotten workbook passwords.

It can be useful for users who prefer a dedicated desktop application rather than an online password recovery service.

However, users should check the exact Excel versions, password types, and recovery limitations supported by the current edition before choosing it.

Best for: Users looking for another desktop-based Excel password recovery option.

3. Passware Kit

Passware Kit is a well-known password recovery solution that supports a wide range of file types, including Microsoft Office documents.

Its advantage is its broad password recovery functionality. However, it can be more complicated than a dedicated Excel password recovery tool because it is designed for many different file formats and recovery scenarios.

The full version can also be relatively expensive for someone who only needs to recover an Excel password occasionally.

Best for: Professionals who need password recovery for multiple file formats, not just Excel.

4. Elcomsoft Advanced Office Password Breaker

Elcomsoft Advanced Office Password Breaker is designed specifically for recovering passwords from Microsoft Office documents. It offers different password recovery techniques and can be useful in professional recovery scenarios.

The main drawback is that its advanced functionality can make the software less suitable for casual users. Depending on the password and encryption used, recovery can also require significant computing resources.

Best for: Advanced users who need professional-grade Office password recovery capabilities.

5. Accent OFFICE Password Recovery

Accent OFFICE Password Recovery is another tool designed to recover passwords from Microsoft Office documents, including Excel files.

It offers multiple recovery approaches and can be useful when dealing with forgotten Office passwords. However, its interface and advanced settings may feel less straightforward to users who simply want to recover an Excel workbook password quickly.

Best for: Users who want a dedicated Office password recovery application with multiple recovery methods.

*Features can vary by product edition and supported Excel password type.

Which Excel Password Recovery Tool Should You Choose?

If your main requirement is recovering an unknown Excel password offline, SysTools Excel Password Recovery is worth considering because it combines brute-force recovery with two advanced recovery modes in a dedicated Excel-focused application.

FreeViewer can be considered as another straightforward option, while Passware, Elcomsoft, and Accent are better suited to users who need broader or more advanced Office password recovery capabilities.

One important point is that Excel has different types of protection. A workbook may have a password required to open the file, or it may only have worksheet/workbook-level protection. The recovery method and whether a particular tool can remove or recover the protection depend on the type of password involved.

Before using any password recovery software, make sure you have the right to access the Excel file. Also, keep a backup of the original file so that your source data remains protected during the recovery process.

Final Verdict

There is no single Excel password recovery tool that is ideal for every situation. For a forgotten or completely unknown password, SysTools Excel Password Recovery stands out as a practical choice because of its offline brute-force recovery and two advanced recovery modes. FreeViewer is another option for basic recovery needs, while Passware, Elcomsoft, and Accent are worth considering when you need more comprehensive Office password recovery capabilities.

If you are trying to unlock Excel workbook without password, the right approach depends on the type of protection applied to your Excel file. For normal worksheet or workbook structure protection, some manual techniques may help remove restrictions. However, if the Excel file is protected with a strong password to open encryption, recovering the original password usually requires a dedicated Excel password recovery solution.

Quick Answer: Unlock Excel Workbook without Password

To unlock Excel workbook without password, first identify whether your file has simple worksheet/workbook protection or a password required to open the file. Manual options like VBA Code, Google Sheets, and Edit XML File methods may work for basic protection. For strongly encrypted Excel files where the password is required to open the workbook, a professional recovery tool is a more suitable option.

Recover Strong Password Protection to Open Excel Workbook

When an Excel workbook is protected with a strong password to open, the file content remains encrypted and cannot be accessed without the correct password. In such cases, password recovery software can help recover the forgotten password and allow users to access their workbook again.

A dedicated solution like SysTools Excel Password Recovery Tool is designed to recover lost or forgotten Excel passwords, including strong password protection scenarios. It helps users retrieve the password required to open protected Excel files and regain access to important workbook data.

Manual Ways to Unlock Excel Workbook without Password

If your Excel file is only protected from editing and does not have strong encryption, some manual approaches can be considered. These methods are commonly used for normal worksheet and workbook protection cases.

VBA Code Method

The VBA Code method is one of the commonly used approaches for removing basic Excel worksheet restrictions. It may help when the workbook is accessible but certain editing actions are blocked.

Google Sheets Method

Google Sheets is another method users try for certain Excel protection scenarios. It can be useful when dealing with basic restrictions and allows users to work with the spreadsheet content online.

Edit XML File Method

The Edit XML File approach involves modifying the internal structure of an Excel workbook file. This method is generally considered for simple worksheet or workbook protection where the file is not protected with an opening password.

Things to Consider Before Unlocking Excel Workbook without Password

Not every password-protected Excel file can be unlocked using manual techniques. If the workbook has a password required to open the file, basic methods may not work because the data is encrypted. On the other hand, worksheet protection or workbook structure protection usually has different security levels and may allow alternative solutions.

Before trying any method, check the type of protection applied to your Excel workbook. This will help you choose the correct approach and avoid spending time on methods that are not suitable for your situation.

Final Thoughts

Finding a way to unlock Excel workbook without password depends on whether you are dealing with simple protection or strong encryption. Manual options like VBA Code, Google Sheets, and Edit XML File methods can be useful for normal worksheet and workbook restrictions. For strong password-to-open protection, a professional password recovery solution can help recover access to the protected Excel workbook.