Forgot the password on a locked VBA project in Excel? This short shows how to remove it instantly using SysTools VBA Password Remover. No original password needed. Works with Excel, Word and all Office files containing protected VBA macros. Duration: 0:58.
Video Transcript
In this short video we show you how to remove the password from a locked VBA Project file using SysTools VBA Password Remover. This tool is perfect when you have forgotten the VBA project password or received a locked Office file that you need to edit.
A VBA Project in Excel or Word can be password-protected to prevent others from viewing or editing the macro code. When locked, the VBA editor shows "VBAProject is locked for viewing" and will not let you in without the correct password.
SysTools VBA Password Remover solves this in seconds. Download and install it from systoolsgroup.com, then open the software. Click Browse to select your locked Excel or Office file. The software detects the protected VBA project automatically. Click Remove Password and within a few seconds the protection is completely removed. Open the file in Excel and the VBA editor is now fully accessible.
No original password is required. The software works on all major Excel formats including .xls, .xlsm and .xlsb as well as Word documents with locked VBA projects.
What is a Locked VBA Project?
A locked VBA Project is a password-protected macro code section inside an Excel, Word or any Microsoft Office file. When locked, the VBA editor shows "VBAProject is locked for viewing" and will not open without the correct password. If you have forgotten the password or inherited a locked file, SysTools VBA Password Remover removes the protection without needing the original password. Your macros, formulas and data stay completely intact.
8 Steps to Remove VBA Project Password
- Go to systoolsgroup.com and download SysTools VBA Password Remover.
- Run the installer and complete the installation on your Windows PC. Office does not need to be installed.
- Open SysTools VBA Password Remover from the desktop shortcut or Start menu.
- Click Browse to select the Excel, Word or Office file that contains the locked VBA project.
- The software automatically detects the locked VBA project and shows the file details on screen.
- Click Remove Password to begin unlocking. No original password is needed at this step.
- Wait a few seconds while the software removes the VBA protection from the file.
- Open the file in Excel. The VBA editor is now accessible and your macros are fully unlocked.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Make a copy of your Excel or Office file before running the tool. Keep the original in a safe location in case you need it later.
- SysTools VBA Password Remover is a Windows application. It is not available for macOS or Linux.
- Close the file in Excel before running the software. Open files can prevent the tool from reading the VBA project correctly.
- The software works on .xls, .xlsm, .xlsb, .doc and .docm files. Check the product page at systoolsgroup.com for the full list of supported formats.
- Only use this tool on files you own or have authorisation to access. Removing passwords from files that belong to others without permission is not permitted.
Tips for Success
- After unlocking, immediately document the VBA project with a comment at the top of each module so you do not lose track of what the code does. This prevents needing to remove a password again in future.
- If you plan to re-lock the VBA project after editing, write down the new password somewhere secure before applying it; a password manager works well for this.
- SysTools offers a free trial that lets you preview and test the tool before purchasing. Download the trial to confirm it supports your file type before buying.
- If the software does not detect your VBA project, check that the file is not already open in Excel and that the file format is .xlsm, .xlsb or .xls rather than .xlsx (plain .xlsx files do not contain VBA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a locked VBA Project?
A locked VBA Project is a password-protected macro code section inside an Excel or Microsoft Office file. When locked, you cannot view or edit the macros unless you enter the correct password. SysTools VBA Password Remover can unlock it without needing the original password.
Can I remove a VBA password without knowing the original password?
Yes. SysTools VBA Password Remover removes the VBA project protection without needing the original password. The software reads the file structure and clears the protection so you can access the VBA editor again.
Which file types does SysTools VBA Password Remover support?
It works with Excel files (.xls, .xlsm, .xlsb), Word documents (.doc, .docm) and other Microsoft Office formats that contain locked VBA projects. It runs on Windows and does not require Office to be installed.
Will removing the VBA password damage my file?
No. The software only removes the VBA password protection. Macros, formulas, data and formatting remain completely intact. Your original file is not modified unless you choose to save over it.
Is it legal to remove a VBA project password?
Removing a VBA password is legal when you own the file or have authorisation from the owner. Do not use this on files that belong to others without permission.