🔹 Introduction
Securing MS Office documents is very important, especially when you work with sensitive files like Word or Excel. In this guide, I will show you step-by-step how to encrypt (lock) and decrypt (unlock) your MS Word and Excel files. By following these easy steps, you can keep your documents safe and protected.
🔹 How to Encrypt / Lock Word or Excel Files
For Word:
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Open Word document.
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Click File → Info → Protect Document → Encrypt with Password.
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Enter your password and click OK.
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Save the document.
For Excel:
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Open Excel workbook.
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Click File → Info → Protect Workbook → Encrypt with Password.
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Type your password and click OK.
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Save the workbook.
🔹 How to Decrypt / Unlock Word or Excel Files
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Open the document or workbook.
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If it asks for password, type your password.
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To remove encryption:
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Word: File → Info → Protect Document → Encrypt with Password → Delete password → OK.
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Excel: File → Info → Protect Workbook → Encrypt with Password → Delete password → OK.
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🔹 Key Features
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Protect sensitive Word/Excel files easily.
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Simple built-in MS Office security.
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No extra software required.
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Compatible with all recent MS Office versions.
🔹 Perfect For
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Students storing private assignments.
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Professionals handling confidential data.
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Small business owners protecting financial reports.
🔹 FAQ (Simple English)
Q1: Can I unlock file without password?
No, you must know the password. Otherwise file stay encrypted.
Q2: Does this work on all MS Office versions?
Yes, this works on Word & Excel 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 365 versions.
Q3: Can I share encrypted file safely?
Yes, recipients need password to open file, so it is safe.
Q4: What if I forget password?
Without password, MS Office can’t unlock. You need third-party software, but it may not be 100% safe.
