How to Unprotect or Unlock Excel and Word Files

 

# Video Instruction Guide: How to Unprotect or Unlock Excel and Word Files

**Introduction:**

Hello everyone! In this video, I'll guide you through the process of unlocking or unprotecting Excel and Word files. If you've encountered files that are protected and require a password for editing, don't worry – I'll show you a simple and effective method to bypass these restrictions using your Gmail account.

**Step 1: Excel File Unlocking**

1.1. Start by opening the Excel file you want to unlock. Notice that it's currently protected, preventing any edits.

1.2. Navigate to the "Review" tab and attempt to unprotect the sheet. You'll find it prompts you for a password.

1.3. Now, let's head over to your Gmail account. Log in, and click on the Google Apps icon.

1.4. Scroll down and click on the "Docs" icon. This will open the Docs section for your Gmail account.

1.5. Click on the "Open file picker" icon.

1.6. Choose the "Upload" tab and click "Browse" to find your Excel file. Upload the file to your Gmail account.

1.7. Once uploaded, the file will open automatically. Simply go to the "File" menu and select "Download." Save it to your computer.

1.8. Open the downloaded file, and voila! You'll find that the file is now completely unlocked, allowing you to make any necessary changes.

1.9. Check the "Review" tab – you'll see that all restrictions have been removed.

**Step 2: Word Document Unlocking**

2.1. Now, let's tackle a protected Word document.

2.2. Open the Word file, which currently restricts editing.

2.3. Similar to the Excel process, go to the "Review" tab and attempt to stop protection. It will ask for a password.

2.4. Head back to your Gmail account, click on the Google Apps icon, and scroll down to the "Docs" icon.

2.5. Follow the same steps as in the Excel process: open file picker, upload the file, and download it after it opens automatically.

2.6. Once downloaded, open the Word file, and you'll find that the file is now completely unlocked. All icons are active, and you can make any desired changes.

2.7. Check the "Review" tab – the restrictions have been successfully removed.

**Conclusion:**

I hope this video guide was helpful for everybody! If you encounter password-protected files, remember that with a Gmail account, you can easily unlock and edit them hassle-free. Stay tuned for more useful tips in my next video. See you there!