File Cannot Open

How to Fix Excel 2016 Not Opening Password-Protected Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to open password-protected workbooks in Excel 2016, with the application getting stuck on the start screen instead of displaying the password prompt.

Product: Microsoft Excel 2016
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open an encrypted or password-protected workbook in Excel 2016.
Observed behavior: Excel 2016 remains frozen on the start screen and fails to prompt the user for a password or load the file contents.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct password for the workbook, and verify that your Office 2016 installation has the latest updates installed via Windows Update.

Solution 1

Test with New and Unprotected Files

Determine whether the issue is isolated to a specific corrupted file or if it affects the entire Excel 2016 application.

Before changing application settings, it is important to isolate the scope of the problem. Testing different types of files will tell you if the problem lies with the specific encrypted file you are trying to open, or if Excel itself is malfunctioning.

Open a normal file

Double-click a standard, unprotected Excel file to see if it loads properly without getting stuck on the start screen.

Create a new protected file

Open a blank workbook in Excel, navigate to File > Info > Protect Workbook > Encrypt with Password. Set a simple test password, save the file to your desktop, and close Excel.

Test the new file

Attempt to open the newly created password-protected file. If it opens successfully, your original file may be corrupted. If it fails, proceed to troubleshoot Excel.

Solution 2Recommended

Open Excel in Safe Mode

Bypass third-party add-ins and startup programs that might be conflicting with the password prompt in Excel.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Open Password-Protected Files Easily with WPS Office

If Excel 2016 continues to freeze on the start screen, try opening your password-protected files in WPS Office. It's a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative that handles encrypted Microsoft Office workbooks seamlessly.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office Free on your computer.
2. Open your protected file: Right-click the password-protected Excel file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office.
3. Enter your password: Type your password when prompted by WPS Office to view and edit your data instantly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls) including password-protected files.Lightweight architecture ensures fast loading without freezing on the startup screen.Free to use with a familiar user interface, requiring zero learning curve.Seamless migration for all your existing spreadsheets and documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel freeze when I try to open a password-protected file?

This typically occurs when a third-party add-in or a startup conflict prevents the password prompt dialog box from rendering correctly, causing the application to hang indefinitely on the start screen.

Can I remove the password from an Excel file if it won't open?

No. By design, you must be able to open the file and supply the correct current password before you can remove or change the encryption settings via File > Info > Protect Workbook.

What should I do if Safe Mode doesn't fix the issue?

If Excel still won't open the file in Safe Mode, try repairing your Office installation via the Windows Control Panel (Programs and Features > Microsoft Office > Change > Quick Repair), or open the file using a compatible alternative like WPS Office.

Document & File Issues