Forum Discussion

wishicouldcode's avatar
wishicouldcode
Copper Contributor
Sep 22, 2025

Add secure additional workbook and worksheet protection Use MS account

Instead make the workbook protection including locking cells and editing printing all the features associated with locking a workbook and worksheet away from a password. Instead have it linked to the...
excel
wishicouldcode's avatar
wishicouldcode
Copper Contributor
Apr 07, 2026

It would seem MS is quite aware of the need to improve this but has not done anything yet. 

NikolinoDE's avatar
NikolinoDE
Platinum Contributor
Apr 13, 2026

You're right — Microsoft has definitely heard this request. There are old UserVoice threads and TechCommunity posts asking for exactly what you described: protection tied to a Microsoft Account, not a password stored in the file.

For reference, you can look back at some of those discussions:

  • TechCommunity Discussion: "Protecting an Excel File" – a thread where users discuss the limitations of current workbook protection.
  • Hashcat Forum (Technical): This shows how easily worksheet protection passwords can be cracked by removing the XML node — proof that current "protection" is not real security.
  • Microsoft Q&A on Password Security: Official discussion confirming that worksheet/workbook protection "isn't intended as a security feature" and that encryption is the only real protection.
  • Newsoftwares Security Analysis: A detailed breakdown showing the difference between encryption (secure) and worksheet protection (just an XML flag, trivially bypassed).

 

The fact that Microsoft hasn't implemented account‑based protection in standard Excel suggests it's either a deliberate product differentiation (keeping IRM for paid enterprise plans) or a technical challenge around key management without forcing everyone into the cloud.

Your original answer was correct — no such feature exists today outside of Purview / Azure RMS. If I were replying to the user, I'd acknowledge their frustration, agree that the password method is broken, and then offer the closest practical workarounds:

  1. Store the file in OneDrive for Business or SharePoint, share only with specific Microsoft Account‑authenticated users, and combine that with "Encrypt with Password" as a second layer.
  2. If they have Microsoft 365 Business Premium or E3/E5, show them how to use "Restrict Access" (IRM) without full Purview governance.
  3. Suggest they submit or upvote a feature request in Microsoft Feedback (inside Excel → File → Feedback).

What you're asking for is completely reasonable from a security standpoint. It's just not something Excel can do natively yet without an enterprise license. If Microsoft ever builds that into personal Office, it would genuinely fix a long‑standing vulnerability.

 

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

 

Hope this will help you.