EasyXLS

How to protect Excel file with password in VB.NET

EasyXLS Excel library can be used to export Excel files in VB.NET. The library works with .NET Framework or .NET Core platform.

Step 1: Download EasyXLS Excel Library for .NET

To download the trial version of EasyXLS Excel Library, press the below button:

Download EasyXLS™ Excel Library for VB.NET

If you already own a license key, you may login and download EasyXLS from your account.

Install the downloaded EasyXLS installer for v8.6 or earlier.

Step 2: License file setup

Step required for EasyXLS v9.0 or later.

If you are using a trial, generate a trial license file from EasyXLS trials page. The trial license is valid for 30-days.

If you own a license key, you may login to the account that purchased the license and generate the license file from:
https://www.easyxls.com/my-orders

Setup the license file into your project using these guidelines.

Step 3: Create a VB.NET project

If don't have a project, create one as ASP.NET web application, windows forms app, console application, class library or service.

Step 4: Include EasyXLS library into project

EasyXLS.dll must be added as reference to your project. EasyXLS.dll can be found:
- Inside the downloaded archive at Step 1 for EasyXLS v9.0 or later
- Under installation path for EasyXLS v8.6 or earlier, in "Dot NET version" folder.

Add EasyXLS reference

Step 5: Run VB.NET code that protects Excel file with password and encryption

Execute the following VB.NET code that creates a password protected Excel file.

'------------------------------------------------------------------------------
' Tutorial 27
'
' This tutorial shows how to create an Excel file in VB.NET and
' encrypt the Excel file by setting the password required for opening the file.
' -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Imports EasyXLS

Module Tutorial27

    Sub Main()

        Console.WriteLine("Tutorial 27" & vbCrLf & "----------" & vbCrLf)

        ' Create an instance of the class that exports Excel files, having two sheets
        Dim workbook As New ExcelDocument(2)

        ' Set the sheet names
        workbook.easy_getSheetAt(0).setSheetName("First tab")
        workbook.easy_getSheetAt(1).setSheetName("Second tab")
		
        ' Set the password for protecting the Excel file when the file is open
        workbook.easy_getOptions().setPasswordToOpen("password")
        
        ' Export Excel file
        Console.WriteLine("Writing file C:\Samples\Tutorial27 - protect Excel with password and encryption.xlsx.")
        workbook.easy_WriteXLSXFile("C:\Samples\Tutorial27 - protect Excel with password and encryption.xlsx")

        ' Confirm export of Excel file
        Dim sError As String = workbook.easy_getError()
        If (sError.Equals("")) Then
            Console.Write(vbCrLf & "File successfully created. Press Enter to Exit...")
        Else
            Console.Write(vbCrLf & "Error encountered: " & sError & vbCrLf & "Press Enter to Exit...")
        End If

        ' Dispose memory
        workbook.Dispose()

        Console.ReadLine()
    End Sub

End Module

EasyXLS Excel libraries:

.NET
Excel Library for VB.NET
full .NET version to import, export or convert Excel files
Excel Writer for VB.NET
.NET version to create and export Excel files
Download EasyXLS™ Excel Library for VB.NET

File formats:

Office 365
MS Excel 2021 - 2024
MS Excel 2007 - 2019
MS Excel 97 - 2003
XLSXXLSMXLSBXLS
XMLHTMLCSVTXT