File Cannot Open

Fix Password-Protected Excel Workbook Opening on Only One Computer

Emma Brown Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where a password-protected Excel workbook opens successfully on one computer but refuses to open on a second computer with an identical setup.

Fix Password-Protected Excel Workbook Opening on Only One Computer

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to access an encrypted Excel file on a secondary computer.
Observed behavior: The workbook fails to open on the second computer despite using the correct password and the same version of Microsoft Excel.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, carefully check whether Excel displays a specific error message, warning, or notification on the second computer, as the exact wording can pinpoint the cause.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Local File Properties and Remove Security Blocks

Windows security settings or network restrictions often block encrypted files transferred from another computer or downloaded from the internet.

When you move a file between computers via USB, email, or network drives, Windows may flag it as a potential security risk. This often prevents Microsoft Office from opening password-protected workbooks properly.

Save the file locally

Copy the password-protected Excel file directly to a local drive folder, such as your Desktop or Documents, rather than attempting to open it from a network share, cloud drive, or USB flash drive.

Open file properties

Right-click the transferred Excel file and select "Properties" from the context menu.

Unblock the file

On the General tab, look for a "Security" section at the bottom. If you see a message stating the file came from another computer, check the "Unblock" box, then click "Apply" and "OK".

Open and test

Double-click the file to launch Excel and enter your password when prompted.

Check Local File Properties and Remove Security Blocks

Unblock Multiple Files: If you have a whole folder of transferred files, you may need to unblock them individually, or transfer them in a zipped folder and unblock the zip file before extracting.

Solution 2

Verify Office Updates and Temporarily Disable Security Software

Mismatched minor Office updates or overly strict third-party antivirus software can interfere with how Excel decrypts files.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Open Encrypted Workbooks Easily with WPS Office

If Microsoft Excel continues to restrict your password-protected workbook due to environment errors, try WPS Office. It provides high compatibility with Microsoft formats and handles encrypted workbooks seamlessly across different devices without complex security blockages.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office Free on the computer where the file will not open.
2. Open the workbook: Right-click the password-protected Excel file and select "Open with" > "WPS Office".
3. Enter the password: Type the correct password into the security prompt to easily access and edit your data.

100% free and lightweight office suiteHighly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formatsSeamlessly opens and edits password-protected workbooksConsistent, stable experience across multiple computers

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does an Excel file say the password is wrong when it is definitely correct?

This usually happens due to different keyboard layouts or language input settings between the two computers. Verify that Caps Lock is off, Num Lock is configured correctly, and the keyboard language matches the one used when the password was created.

Can cloud sync services prevent password-protected Excel files from opening?

Yes. Cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox might temporarily lock the file while syncing, or their sync protocols may conflict with the file's encryption. Pausing the sync or copying the file to an un-synced local folder usually resolves this.

How can I remove the password on the computer where the file actually works?

Open the workbook on the computer where it works properly. Go to File > Info > Protect Workbook > Encrypt with Password. Delete the existing password so the field is completely blank, click OK, and save the file. You can then transfer the unprotected version.

Document & File Issues