Excel is widely used for handling sensitive data, and protecting that information is necessary. However, there are times when you only need to secure specific cells without imposing restrictions on the entire sheet. This article aims to guide you on how to protect cells in Excel 2010 and 2016 without protecting the whole sheet for a customized level of protection.
3 Ways to Protect Cells in Excel Without Protecting Sheet
Excel offers the option to protect either all cells or certain rows, columns, or cells in a worksheet. This feature grants users more control over the level of protection they desire. Now, let’s explore how it works.
Quick Answer
To protect all cells in Excel without protecting the entire sheet, follow these steps:
1. Open the target worksheet and select all cells by pressing Ctrl + A.
2. Right-click on the sheet and choose Format Cells…
3. From the Protection tab, mark the Locked checkbox and click OK.
4. Click on the sheet name at the bottom left corner.
5. Select Protect Sheet and set a password.
Note: The methods provided below are applicable to both Excel 2010 and Excel 2016.
Method 1: Protect All Cells
If you want to protect all the cells in your Microsoft Excel worksheet and prevent unauthorized changes, this method is for you. Here is how you go about it:
1. Open the target worksheet on your Microsoft Excel software and press Ctrl + A keys to select all cells.
2. Right-click anywhere on the sheet and choose Format Cells…
3. Next, switch to the Protection tab.
4. Mark the Locked checkbox and click OK.
5. Now, click on the Sheet name from the bottom left corner of your screen.
6. Select Protect Sheet… option.
7. Enter the desired password and modify the allowed actions for other users.
8. Click on OK.
9. Enter the set password again to confirm your action.
It is how to protect cells in Excel 2010 or 2016 without protecting the sheet.
Also Read: Explain Workbook Protection Types in Excel
Method 2: Protect Specific Cells
If you want to share an Excel worksheet with your peers and allow them to modify specific cells, use this method. To password-protect those cells, follow these steps:
1. Launch Excel and open the target workbook in which you wish to protect cells.
2. Next, press Ctrl + A keys to select all cells.
3. Right-click on your sheet and choose the Format Cells… option.
4. Now, click on the Protection tab.
5. Uncheck the Locked checkbox and click on OK.
6. Next, click and drag to select the desired cells, rows, or columns which you wish to protect.
7. Right-click on the selected area and click on Format Cells…
8. Go to the Protection tab and mark the Locked checkbox.
9. Then, click on OK.
10. Next, click on the Review tab.
11. Click on the Protect Sheet option and enter the password.
Method 3: Protect Formula Cells
Password-protecting formula cells in Excel is different than locking other cells. For this, here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Click and drag to select the desired cells.
2. Right-click on the selected area and choose the Format Cells… option.
3. Next, click on the Protection tab.
4. Uncheck the Locked checkbox and select OK.
5. Next, in the Home tab, click on the Find & Select icon from the Ribbon.
6. Now, click on Go To Special…
7. Select Formulas and click on OK.
8. Now, right-click on the sheet and go to the Format Cells window again.
9. Mark the Locked checkbox and click OK.
10. Click on Review > Protect Sheet, as shown below.
11. Enter the desired password and select the allowed actions.
12. Once you are done, click on OK.
Also Read: How to Split Excel File into Multiple Files by Row
How to Password Protect the Excel 2007 File?
If you want to restrict changes in your Excel file to only authorized individuals, you need to know how to password protect it. Although it may seem challenging initially, you can easily achieve this by following the steps below.
Method 1: With Encrypt Document Option
1. Open the target Excel file you wish to protect with a password.
2. Click on the Office icon from the top left corner of the screen.
3. Choose Prepare from the left pane.
4. Next, click on Encrypt Document.
5. Now, enter the desired password in the space provided.
6. Finally, click on OK.
Method 2: Via Save As Option
1. Open the desired Excel file on your PC.
2. Click on the Office icon from the top left corner.
3. Next, click on Save As.
4. Click on the Tools drop-down option from the bottom.
5. Choose General Options…
6. Now, enter the desired password.
Note: You can also add a password to prevent unnecessary modifications just below this option.
7. Once you are done, click on OK.
Also Read: 10 Functions of MS Excel that Everyone Should Know
Learning how to protect cells in Excel without protecting the sheet enables you to have more control over data and promotes collaboration. It allows you to safeguard formulas, restrict undesired modifications, and secure sensitive information. If you have any doubts, leave them in the comment section below. We will address them and offer further assistance.
