How to Encrypt a Workbook with a Password

In this tutorial I will teach you how to encrypt a workbook with a password.

By encrypting a workbook with a password you can make Excel users to enter a password to open your workbook.  This allows you to control who can open your workbook.

For this tutorial you will need to have a workbook already open within Excel 2010.

Step 1: Open File Menu

Step 2: Select Info Tab

Step 3: Select Protect Workbook Menu

  
Step 4: Select Encrypt with Password

This will open the Encrypt Document Window. This is where you decide what password will be used to open your workbook.

Notice this window warns you that if you forget your password, it can not be recovered.

Step 5: Enter a Password into Encrypt Document Window

Notice you will see 4 black dots represents your password, but Excel hides the actual values so no one can watch you type it in.

If you select Cancel the Encrypt Document Window will close and you will return to the Info Tab located on the File Menu.

Step 6: Select OK

The Confirm Password Window will open.

If you select Cancel the Confirm Password Window will close and the Encrypt Password Window will reopen.

Step 7:  Reenter Password into Confirm Password Window

Step 8: Select OK

If you don't enter the same password that you entered into the Encrypt Document Window then you will be prompted with the following popup.

If you see this pop up then just select OK and you will return to Confirm Password Window.

If you entered the same password that you entered into the Encrypt Document Window then you have successful Encrypted your workbook with a password. You will see the following on the Info Tab, located within the File Menu.

 Congratulations, you have encrypted your workbook with a password.  For a list of all my workbook tutorials feel free to check out my Workbook Tutorials.