With the Microsoft Excel 2016 application, users have the ability to add various layers of security protection onto a spreadsheet or workbook. When configuring these security settings, the creator of the document will be prompted to choose a password that will be embedded into the file. All other users who open the Excel document will have their privileges restricted unless they enter the correct password when prompted. Creating Excel files with security protection can be vital if you are working with sensitive data or do not want cells to be modified by outside users.
Step 1:
Launch the Excel 2016 application from the Windows Start menu.
Step 2:
Open an Existing Excel document or else use the “Blank workbook” option to start a new one.
Step 3:
Go to the “Review” tab in the top ribbon bar.
Step 4:
Click on the “Protect Workbook” button if you wish to control whether other users can modify the structure of the Excel document. When enabled, the users will be restricted from adding, removing, or renaming worksheets within the document.
Step 5:
Enter a custom password in the pop-up window that appears, ensure the “Structure” box is checked, and then click the “OK” button.
Step 6:
Click on the “Protect Sheet” button to add security protection to the specific worksheet that you are currently viewing. Another pop-up window will appear with additional options.
Step 7:
Enter a custom password at the top of the window. Note that this does not have to match the password set on the overall workbook. Then check the boxes next to the actions that you want to restrict for outside users. For example, you can choose to prevent users from inserting data, deleting rows and columns, or adding custom formatting to cells. Once you are satisfied with your security settings, click “OK” to enable them.
Excel security settings can be modified at any time by the creator of the document. From the “Review” tab of the ribbon bar, you can click the “Protect Workbook” or “Protect Sheet” and enter the required password to make further changes. For additional assistance, consult the Microsoft support website.
