File Cannot Open

Fix: Cannot Open Password-Protected XLSM File After Password Change

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to open an XLSM (macro-enabled workbook) file using a newly set password.

Product: Excel XLSM Workbook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open an encrypted XLSM file immediately after modifying or updating its password protection.
Observed behavior: The file rejects the newly entered password, preventing the user from opening or accessing the workbook's contents.

Before you start

Ensure that your Caps Lock key is turned off and your system's keyboard layout exactly matches the one used when you originally set the new password.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Password Input Details

Use this solution to rule out simple typing, capitalization, or keyboard layout errors that commonly cause password rejection.

Passwords in Excel are case-sensitive and highly dependent on the active keyboard language. Often, a password may seem incorrect because it was typed with an alternate language layout or with Caps Lock enabled.

Check Caps Lock

Look at your keyboard to ensure the Caps Lock indicator is off before typing the new password.

Verify Keyboard Layout

Check the language bar on your system taskbar (bottom right in Windows) to confirm that the correct language and keyboard layout are selected.

Type the Password in a Text Editor

Open Notepad or a similar plain text editor, type your new password to visually confirm it is correct, then copy and paste it into the Excel password prompt.

Confirm Password Type

Ensure you are entering the password into the correct prompt. Excel files can have a 'Password to Open' and a separate 'Password to Modify'. Make sure you aren't confusing the two.

Security Limitation: Official support cannot provide password-cracking tools. If the password cannot be verified, the encryption cannot be legally bypassed.

Solution 2

Restore a Previous Backup of the XLSM File

If the password is truly lost or corrupted during the saving process, recovering an earlier, unencrypted or known-password version is the only secure recourse.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Excel and XLSM Files Securely with WPS Office

If you are frequently dealing with Microsoft Office issues or looking for a more streamlined experience, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides robust compatibility with XLSM files, reliable document encryption, and serves as a powerful, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and run the installer.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch the application and select Spreadsheets from the home screen.
3. Access Your Workbooks: Go to Menu > Open, navigate to your XLSM file, and enter your password securely to view and edit your data.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats, including .xlsx and .xlsmFree and lightweight alternative to heavy Office suitesFamiliar user interface for seamless migrationSecure and highly reliable document encryption features

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover a forgotten Excel password without a backup?

No. For security and privacy reasons, neither Microsoft nor WPS provides official tools to crack or bypass document encryption passwords. Restoring a previous backup is the only officially recommended solution.

What is the difference between 'Password to Open' and 'Password to Modify'?

A 'Password to Open' encrypts the file so it cannot be viewed at all without the password. A 'Password to Modify' allows users to open the document in read-only mode, but requires the password to make and save changes to the original file.

Why does my password work on one computer but not another?

This is almost always due to different keyboard layouts or language settings on the two computers. If a password contains special characters (like @, #, or £), they may be mapped to different keys depending on the regional layout selected on the operating system.

Document & File Issues