Fix Excel Creating a Copy of a Password-Protected Workbook
Question details
Microsoft Excel automatically generates a duplicate file prefixed with "Copy of" when a user interacts with a password-protected workbook stored on a local network server.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening, saving, or closing password-protected Excel files located on a local server.
- Observed behavior
- A redundant duplicate file named "Copy of [filename]" is unexpectedly created every time the password-protected workbook is opened or closed.
Ensure you have the exact password for the protected workbook and verify that you have full read and write permissions for the local server directory where the file is stored.
Migrate Content to a New Unprotected Workbook
Transferring your data to a fresh, unprotected workbook bypasses the synchronization bug that triggers the duplicate file creation on local servers.
This is the most effective workaround if updating Microsoft Office does not resolve the issue. By removing the legacy password protection encryption and starting fresh, Excel stops misinterpreting the network save state.
Double-click the affected password-protected Excel file on your local server and enter the password to open it.
Press Ctrl + A to select all the data in your active worksheet, then press Ctrl + C to copy it. Repeat this for any other necessary sheets.
Click on 'File' > 'New' and select 'Blank workbook' to open a fresh Excel file.
Press Ctrl + V to paste your data into the new workbook. Go to 'File' > 'Save As', choose your local server location, and save the file without adding a password.
Isolate the Issue Using Cloud Storage
Test the file in a cloud environment to determine if the issue is strictly isolated to your local server configuration.
Update Microsoft 365 Apps
Install the latest Office updates to patch known synchronization and file-handling bugs.
Manage Password-Protected Spreadsheets with WPS Office
If Microsoft Excel continues to create frustrating duplicate files on your local server, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, reliable alternative for handling password-protected network files without triggering syncing bugs.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the easy installation prompts.
- 2. Open Your Protected File: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, navigate to your local server, and open your password-protected Excel file.
- 3. Save Without Duplicates: Edit your document and click save. WPS Spreadsheet reliably updates the original file without cluttering your server with 'Copy of' duplicates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel create a "Copy of" my file automatically?
This usually happens due to synchronization conflicts on local servers, strict temporary file permissions, or an active bug in Microsoft 365 when handling encrypted (password-protected) workbooks over a network.
Will removing the password stop the duplicate files from generating?
Yes. Users consistently report that removing the password protection or migrating the data to a new, unprotected workbook completely resolves the duplicate file issue on local servers.
How do I safely remove the password from my Excel workbook?
Open the workbook, navigate to File > Info > Protect Workbook, and select 'Encrypt with Password'. Clear the contents of the password field, click OK, and save the file.
