Protect an Excel Workbook

You can secure a workbook’s structure against changes, such as sheets being added or deleted. You can also protect a workbook’s windows so that they are the same size and in the same position every time the workbook is opened.

Protect Workbook Structure

  1. Click the Review tab.
  2. If necessary, expand the Protect group.
  3. Click the Protect Workbook button.
    Protect Workbook Structure
  4. Type a password, if desired.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Reenter the password.
  7. Click OK.
    Protect Workbook Structure

The workbook is now protected. When you right-click the sheet tab, all the options for changing the structure are unavailable.

Turn Off Workbook Protection

If you need to turn off workbook protection, you can do so at any time.

  1. Click the Review tab.
  2. If necessary, expand the Protect group.
  3. Click the Protect Workbook button.
    Protect Workbook Structure
  4. Enter the password.
  5. Click OK.
    Protect Workbook Structure

The protection is removed, and the workbook is editable again.

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