how to open an excel spreadsheet after forgetting password

If the password for a protected Excel workbook or worksheet is forgotten, there is no supported way in Excel to open or unprotect that file without the password.

Key points from Excel protection behavior:

• When a password is set to protect a workbook or worksheet, it is required to open or modify the protected content.
• Microsoft cannot retrieve or reset a forgotten password. If the password is lost, access to the protected workbook or sheet cannot be restored through Microsoft tools.
• For future files, it is recommended to:
  • Use strong passwords that are written down and stored in a secure place.
  • Remember that worksheet and workbook protection are meant to prevent changes and unauthorized access, but if the password is forgotten, the file cannot be recovered by Microsoft.

If the password is known in the future, it can be removed or changed by using Review > Unprotect Sheet/Protect Workbook and entering the current password, then saving the workbook.

References:

• Require a password to open or modify a workbook
• Change or remove workbook passwords
• Protect a worksheet
• Protection and security in Excel