Securely Share Excel Files & Prevent Editing & Downloading

Whether your file is in the cloud or a local network drive, Microsoft has tools to enable you to prevent unauthorised opening, editing and downloading of your data.

Securely sharing Excel files and preventing editing and downloading is possible through the use of a cloud-based collaboration platform. These platforms provide a secure environment where files can be shared, edited, and downloaded without any risk of the data being compromised. With these systems, users can set permissions that restrict who has access to the files, and what level of access they have. They can also set permissions that prevent users from editing or downloading the files. Additionally, users can track and monitor activities related to the files, such as who has accessed them and when. This helps organizations ensure that their data remains secure and protected.

There are several ways to securely share Excel files and prevent editing and downloading:

1. Password protect the Excel file: You can password protect your Excel file to prevent unauthorized access. To do this, go to the “File” tab in Excel, click on “Protect Workbook,” and select “Encrypt with Password.” Set a strong password and save the file.
2. Use rights management software: You can use rights management software, such as Microsoft’s Azure Information Protection, to restrict access to the Excel file and control who can edit, print, or download the file.
3. Share the file on a secure platform: You can share the Excel file on a secure platform, such as SharePoint or OneDrive, which allows you to set permissions and control who can access the file.
4. Convert the file to a PDF: You can convert the Excel file to a PDF, which makes it read-only and prevents editing. However, this may not be suitable if the recipient needs to edit the file.
5. Use a secure file transfer service: You can use a secure file transfer service, such as ShareFile or Dropbox Business, which allows you to share files securely and control who can access and edit the file. These services also provide encryption and other security features to protect your dat

Questions and Answers about

• How do I protect my Excel file from being deleted by others?

How to protect a workbook in Excel

• How do I Share an Excel file with multiple users?

Set up a shared workbook

• Can multiple users work on the same Excel file?

Excel for Android, Excel for iOS, Excel Mobile, and Excel for Microsoft 365 are the versions that currently support co-authoring. If they don't have a supported version, they can edit in the browser to edit the file.