If you have sensitive data you'd like to keep from prying eyes in a Microsoft Excel file, the easiest way to protect it is with Excel's built-in password tools.

Key Takeaways : Excel spreadsheets can be protected by Edit Ranges, Sheet Protection, Workbook Protection, File Modify Password, VBA Project Password, and File Open Password.

At the file level, you can password protect an Excel workbook in two ways: You can determine who can get in and who can save changes.

A recommended approach to secure your most private documents — whether it’s a PDF, Word file, or Excel spreadsheet — is to lock them with a passcode. While this does help keep sensitive ...