File Sharing Problems

How to Share an Excel File for Review Without a Password

Nimra Malik Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to share an Excel workbook with specific reviewers securely without manually configuring a separate file password.

How to Share an Excel File for Review Without a Password

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing a workbook for collaborative review using built-in cloud permissions instead of relying on password protection.
Observed behavior: The goal is to grant view or edit access via OneDrive or Excel sharing options, utilizing account authentication or email verification rather than a document password.

Before you start

Ensure your Excel file is saved to a cloud service like OneDrive or SharePoint, as local files cannot generate live sharing links.

Solution 1Recommended

Share Using Direct Email Permissions in Excel

Use the built-in Share feature in Excel to send a secure link directly to specific reviewers.

By saving your document to the cloud, you can specify exactly who can view or edit the file. This method avoids the need for document passwords by tying access directly to the recipient's email address.

Open the Share panel

Open your Excel file and click the 'Share' button located in the top-right corner of the application.

Enter reviewer details

In the sharing dialog, type the recipient's email address into the provided text field.

Set access permissions

Click the permission dropdown menu and select either 'Can view' or 'Can edit' based on the access the reviewer needs.

Send the invitation

Verify that no password protection options are enabled in the advanced settings, then click 'Send'.

Share Using Direct Email Permissions in Excel

Verification Codes: If the recipient cannot authenticate with a Microsoft or organizational account, they may receive a one-time verification code via email. This is an automatic identity check, not a file password.

Solution 2

Create and Share a Link Manually

Generate a customizable link that can be shared in emails or chat applications without requiring a password.

WPS Office Cloud Collaboration

Share and Collaborate on Spreadsheets Seamlessly with WPS Office

WPS Office provides robust cloud collaboration tools, allowing you to share your spreadsheets securely using customizable links. You can quickly invite reviewers and co-edit documents in real-time without the hassle of setting passwords.

1. Upload to WPS Cloud: Open your spreadsheet in WPS Spreadsheet and save it directly to your WPS Cloud space.
2. Access the Share menu: Click the 'Share' button located in the top-right corner of the interface.
3. Configure Link Permissions: Select 'Anyone with the link' and assign either 'Viewer' or 'Editor' rights, ensuring no password is required.
4. Copy and Send: Click 'Copy Link' and paste it into an email or messaging app to instantly share the file with your team.

Free, lightweight, and user-friendly office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsSecure link sharing with granular 'view' or 'edit' permission controlsReal-time co-editing across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my recipient being asked for a code if I didn't set a password?

When sharing with specific people who don't have an associated Microsoft account, the system sends a one-time verification code to their email to confirm their identity. This ensures security without requiring a permanent file password.

Can I remove a password from an existing Excel file before sharing?

Yes. Open the file using the current password, go to File > Info > Protect Workbook, and select 'Encrypt with Password'. Delete the existing password in the prompt so the field is blank, click OK, and save the file.

Is it secure to share an Excel file without a password?

Yes, provided you use the 'Specific People' sharing option. This restricts file access solely to the email addresses you authorize, meaning unauthorized users cannot open the document even if they obtain the link.

Document & File Issues