Learn how to lock and unlock cells in Excel, protect worksheets and workbooks, allow edit ranges, secure specific cells, and password-protect Excel files. Step-by-step guides for keeping your Excel data safe while allowing controlled editing.
Table of Contents
1. How to Lock Cells in Excel
Locking cells in Excel prevents users from editing specific cells while still allowing changes in other areas.
Steps (Windows & Mac):
- Select the cells you want users to edit
- Press Ctrl + 1 (Windows) or Cmd + 1 (Mac)
- Go to Protection tab
- Uncheck Locked → OK
- Go to Review → Protect Sheet
Result:
- Locked cells = protected
- Unlocked cells = editable
Best used to protect formulas.
2. How to Unlock Cells in Excel
By default, all cells in Excel are locked, but you can unlock them before protecting the sheet.
Steps:
- Select the cells to unlock
- Press Ctrl + 1 / Cmd + 1
- Open Protection tab
- Uncheck Locked → OK
- Protect the worksheet
Unlocked cells stay editable after sheet protection is applied.
3. How to Protect a Sheet in Excel Without a Password
You can protect a worksheet without using a password to prevent accidental edits.
Steps:
- Open the worksheet
- Go to Review → Protect Sheet
- Leave the password field blank
- Click OK
Anyone can unprotect the sheet, but this is useful for internal files.
4. How to Unprotect a Sheet in Excel
To remove worksheet protection:
Steps (Windows & Mac):
- Go to Review tab
- Click Unprotect Sheet
- Enter the password (if required)
If no password was set, the sheet unlocks instantly.
5. How to Protect Specific Cells in Excel
This method allows users to edit only selected cells.
Steps:
- Select editable cells → Ctrl + 1 / Cmd + 1
- Uncheck Locked
- Protect the worksheet via Review tab
Only locked cells will be protected.
6. Allow Edit Ranges in Excel (Protect Part of a Sheet)
Use Allow Edit Ranges to protect specific areas with passwords.
Windows:
- Go to Review → Allow Edit Ranges
- Click New
- Select the range
- Set a password (optional)
- Protect the sheet
Shortcut: Alt → R → U → 1
7. Protect Workbook vs Protect Sheet (What’s the Difference?)
- Protect Workbook: Controls structure (add/delete sheets)
- Protect Sheet: Controls cell editing
- Encrypt with Password: Protects the entire file
For sensitive data, always use Encrypt with Password.
8. How to Password-Protect an Excel File
Protect the entire Excel file so no one can open it without a password.
Windows:
File → Info → Protect Workbook → Encrypt with Password
Mac:
File → Passwords → Password to open