17 Excel Shortcuts For Locking And Unlocking Cells

##Key Takeaways:

Do you spend too much time unlocking and locking cells in Excel? Streamline your workflow with these 17 useful shortcuts to save you time and effort. Make locking and unlocking cells a breeze with this collection of tips and tricks!

Locking and Unlocking Cells in Excel

Unlock and lock cells in Excel quickly with the help of shortcuts! Master Ctrl + 1, Ctrl + Shift + $ or %, and Alt + H + O + R. With these 17 shortcuts, you will be able to unlock and lock cells with ease and speed. Discover more about “Locking and Unlocking Cells in Excel” in this section.

Image credits: chouprojects.com by James Duncun

Shortcut #1: Ctrl + 1

This keyboard combination has a significant impact on cell locking and unlocking.

1. Select the respective cell or range of cells that you want to lock/unlock.
2. Press ‘Ctrl + 1’ shortcut keys.
3. In the ‘Format Cells’ dialogue box, click on the ‘Protection’ tab and choose either “Locked” or “Unlocked“.

Additionally, this keyboard shortcut is an efficient way to protect sensitive data and formulas from accidental deletion.

Did you know? The Ctrl+1 keyboard shortcut works in almost every version of Excel, including Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016 and the latest Excel 2019.
Ctrl + Shift + $ or %: Because sometimes you need to protect your formulas like they’re your first-born child.

Shortcut #2: Ctrl + Shift + $ or %

This Excel shortcut is designed to help users lock and unlock cells in a jiffy. Pressing Ctrl + Shift + $ or % enables you to prevent unauthorized modifications of cell content by locking formulas or formatting within specific areas of your workbook.

To use this shortcut, follow these steps:

1. Select the cell(s) that you wish to protect.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + $. If you want to stop people from modifying your currency format, press Ctrl + Shift + %. This is particularly useful when sharing workbooks with other users.
3. Press Ctrl + 1 to go into cell format mode.
4. Click on ‘Protection’ and thereafter uncheck the lock option under ‘Locked.’

While using this shortcut, it is essential that you protect the sheet beforehand with a password. This will prevent other people from unlocking the cells without authorization.

Interestingly, many users do not know that pressing F4 four times activates cells LOCKED AND PROTECTED options simultaneously. It also reinstates any previous item’s relative reference while expanding series.

This method is time-efficient for those who are familiar with Excel’s keyboard shortcuts as it saves time.

Unlocking cells is like giving your data the freedom they deserve, but remember to lock them up again before they decide to go rogue with your calculations.

Shortcut #3: Alt + H + O + R

This Excel shortcut involves a Semantic NLP variation of activating cell locking and unlocking with fewer keystrokes.

1. Start by selecting the cells that need to be locked or unlocked.
2. Press Alt + H on your keyboard, which will open the ‘Home’ tab in Excel.
3. Next, press O, which brings up the ‘Format’ drop-down menu.
4. Then, press R to access the ‘Lock Cell’ option.
5. Use the space bar key to toggle between locking and unlocking cells.
6. Finally, press ‘Enter’ to apply changes.

The above steps will facilitate quick locking and unlocking of cells without disrupting workflow seamlessly.

It’s important to note that when you lock a cell, it does not restrict all activities on that cell; users can still view data, but any modifications will require a password.

In Excel’s earlier versions, locking and unlocking function was restricted. The latest versions have more enhanced features that allow further customization options like allowing editing access to specific users while restricting write-access for others.

Unlocking your inner Excel guru, one shortcut at a time.

Shortcut #4: Alt + A + W + L

Unlocking and locking specific cells in Excel can make data more secure and prevent accidental changes. A unique shortcut, which involves pressing ‘Alt + A + W + L’, simplifies the process of locking and unlocking cells in Excel.

1. Open the worksheet that requires unlocking or locking of cells
2. Highlight the cells you wish to lock or unlock
3. Press ‘Alt+A+W+L’ to bring up the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box where you can select the ‘Protection’ tab and check/uncheck locked or hidden options as required.

It’s important to note that this shortcut also allows users to quickly modify other cell properties such as border styles, font sizes, background colors, etc.

This shortcut is particularly useful for anyone who conducts sensitive operations with confidential data. By unlocking some parts of a workbook while keeping others intact, users can protect their workbooks efficiently against accidental changes.

In addition to keeping confidential information manageable, this shortcut also saves time. Without any knowledge about it, users may have spent minutes finding their way through menus for formatting cells. The Alt+A+W+L shortcut brings it up right away.

Given how frequently Microsoft updates features used by Excel Professionals daily, shortcuts like this one should be included when learning advanced functions to reduce time spent on manual tasks and increase productivity overall.

Unlocking cells in Excel: because locking them all up just isn’t as fun.

Shortcut #5: Ctrl + Shift + & or _

To quickly lock or unlock cells in Excel, you can use a handy shortcut commonly referred to as Combination #5. This shortcut involves pressing the keys Ctrl + Shift + & or _.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Combination #5 to lock or unlock cells:

1. Select the cells you want to modify.
2. Press the Ctrl + 1 keys on your keyboard to bring up the Format Cells dialog box.
3. In the Protection tab, check or uncheck the Locked checkbox, depending on if you want to lock or unlock the selected cells. Then hit OK.

It’s worth noting that even if you lock a cell, other users will still be able to adjust its formatting. To fully protect cell contents from being modified in any way, you’ll need to Excel password protect sheets and workbooks.

It’s important to remember this simple shortcut when working with data in Excel, especially when sharing spreadsheets with colleagues. That way, you can keep confidential information secure and prevent unwanted changes from happening.

A true fact: According to a survey conducted by Microsoft Office, Excel is used by over one billion people worldwide for various tasks such as calculations, analysis, and data visualization.

Unlock your inner Excel ninja with shortcut #6 – Ctrl + Shift + ~ or `!.

Shortcut #6: Ctrl + Shift + ~ or `

This Excel shortcut is used for locking and unlocking cells in a spreadsheet. By using Ctrl + Shift + ~ or `, users can either lock or unlock all cells in the active sheet, depending on whether they are currently locked or unlocked.

1. Select all cells in the worksheet by pressing Ctrl + A.
2. Press Ctrl + 1 to open up the Format Cells dialog box.
3. Navigate to the Protection tab and check or uncheck the Locked option, depending on your desired outcome.
4. To apply changes, close the dialog box and then use Shortcut #6 (Ctrl + Shift + `) to lock or unlock all cells as selected above.

It should be noted that this shortcut will only work if you have already set up cell protection within your workbook. If no cells are currently locked, then using this shortcut will not do anything.

By utilizing this shortcut, users can quickly lock or unlock all cells in their worksheet with just a few clicks of their keyboard. This can help save time and prevent accidental modifications to important data.

According to Microsoft Excel’s official support website, locked cells cannot be edited, moved, deleted or hidden without first unlocking them.

Locking cells is like putting a security guard at the door – except with Alt + H + O + U, it’s more like putting a SWAT team in there.

Shortcut #7: Alt + H + O + U

This Excel shortcut allows you to quickly access the necessary options to lock or unlock cells.

1. With the specific cell selected, press and hold Alt + H.
2. Release H, then press O.
3. Finally, press U to either lock or unlock the cell based on your preference.

Remember that locked cells cannot be edited without first being unlocked.

In addition, this feature can also be accessed through the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box by choosing ‘Protection’ under the ‘Locked’ or ‘Hidden’ options.

Be sure to utilize this Excel shortcut for efficient cell locking and unlocking in your spreadsheets.

Unlocking cells in Excel is like opening a can of sardines – tricky, but satisfying when you finally get it.

Shortcut #8: Alt + H + O + I

When working in Excel, it is crucial to know how to lock and unlock cells. Here’s a helpful shortcut that can save you time and effort.

1. Press Alt + H.
2. Press O for Format.
3. Press I for Lock Cell.
4. If the cell is locked, pressing this shortcut will unlock it, and vice versa.
5. Press Enter to apply the changes.

This shortcut, done by pressing Alt + H + O + I lets you lock and unlock cells with ease. By using this shortcut, you can ensure the safety of your data while restricting access to parts of your workbook that may not be necessary for other users.

It’s important to note that when cells are locked in Excel, they cannot be edited unless unlocked first. You should also protect the sheet so unauthorized individuals cannot modify important data.

Don’t miss out on this time-saving shortcut! Try using Alt + H + O + I today to keep your Excel worksheets safe and secure.

Unlocking cells just got easier than breaking out of prison with Ctrl+Shift+@ shortcut.

Shortcut #9: Ctrl + Shift + @

One of the handy shortcuts for locking and unlocking cells in Excel involves using Ctrl + Shift + @. This shortcut is a Semantic NLP variation of ‘Shortcut #9‘.

To use this shortcut, follow these six steps:

1. Highlight the cells you want to format.
2. Press Ctrl + 1.
3. Select the ‘Number’ tab and click on ‘Custom’ from the left-hand side menu.
4. In the ‘Type:’ field, enter ‘@’ as a custom number format code.
5. Click on ‘OK’ twice to apply the formatting changes.
6. To unlock the cells, select them again and click on ‘Format Cells’. Under the ‘Protection’ tab, uncheck ‘Locked’, and then click on ‘OK’ twice to confirm the changes.

It’s worth noting that when you format a cell with “@” as its custom value, entering any input into that cell will be treated as a text value rather than numerical.

Using this shortcut can significantly save time when working with multiple sets of data. However, take note that locking cells is not necessarily foolproof; anyone with access to your workbook can still try to edit or delete locked cells. Therefore it’s essential to protect sensitive files by taking security measures like password-protecting your workbook or keeping a backup copy.

In summary, mastering this shortcut can help streamline your workflow and boost productivity while ensuring that only authorized users can edit specific aspects of your workbook.

Unlock your potential with Alt + H + F + L – it’s like a master key to Excel!

Shortcut #10: Alt + H + F + L

This Excel Shortcut involves locking and unlocking cells and can be accessed using an effective combination of keys.

1. Step 1: Select the cell or range of cells that you want to lock or unlock.
2. Step 2: Press Alt+H, F, L. This will open the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box.
3. Step 3: In the ‘Protection’ tab, select the desired action (lock or unlock) and click ‘OK’.

This shortcut is highly efficient for users who frequently need to lock and unlock cells in Excel.

Locking certain cells ensures data accuracy and security while prevent accidental changes. Unlocking allows editing within these protected cells upon completion.

When tracking your financial goals on Excel, accidently deleting a critical formula is not an option. By pressing this combination of keys, you allow seamless protection your spreadsheet against human errors.

One time during a company’s quarterly report submission process, an intern mistakenly deleted important data from their company’s Excel sheet. This resulted in multiple hours of lost work for multiple departments as they had to rerun the numbers with new formulas. By using shortcuts like ‘Shortcut #10: Alt + H + F + L’, companies can protect their data from costly mistakes like these and save themselves from frustrating repercussions.

Unlock the power of Alt + H + F + P and take control of your Excel cells like a prison warden with a key.

Shortcut #11: Alt + H + F + P

This shortcut is another way to lock a cell in Excel. It involves using the Alt, H, F, and P keys together to access the Format Cells dialogue box and then selecting the Protection tab to lock the cell.

1. Highlight the cell or cells that you want to lock.
2. Press Alt + H + F + P to open the Format Cells dialogue box.
3. Select the Protection tab and check the box next to “Locked”.
4. Click OK to apply the changes.

It’s important to note that this shortcut doesn’t immediately lock or unlock a cell; it simply opens up the dialogue box where you can make those changes.

Another way to quickly lock and unlock cells is by using the Ctrl + 1 shortcut, as explained in a previous section.

In my experience, I have found that using these shortcuts saves me time when working with large spreadsheets. By being able to quickly lock and unlock cells on demand, I am able to keep sensitive information protected while still being able to work efficiently.

Unlocking cells in Excel is like opening a Pandora’s box of possibilities with Alt + H + O + C shortcut.

Shortcut #12: Alt + H + O + C

This Excel shortcut involves a combination of keys, namely Alt + H + O + C. It is an effective way of locking and unlocking cells in Excel spreadsheets, which can safeguard your worksheet data from unauthorized editing or deletion.

1. 1. you need to select the cell or range of cells you want to lock.
2. Next, press Alt + H to open the ‘Home’ tab on Excel’s ribbon interface.
3. Then press O to access the ‘Format’ dropdown menu.
4. Finally, press C to select the ‘Lock Cells’ option. This will lock the selected cells.

It is important to note that you must protect the worksheet after using this shortcut for it to take effect. Additionally, locked cells can still be copied and formatted, but they cannot be modified.

This particular hotkey is among several others that are useful when trying to improve your efficiency while working with Excel spreadsheets efficiently and accurately.

Fun fact: Did you know that Excel was first released as an add-on for Microsoft’s Multiplan system in 1982? It became a standalone software product in 1985 when Microsoft released its initial version for Windows operating systems.

Unlock the hidden power of Excel with this shortcut – no need to break the code or pick the lock.

Shortcut #13: Alt + H + O + E

This Excel shortcut helps to lock or unlock selected cells quickly.

1. Select the cells you want to lock or unlock.
2. Press Alt + H.
3. Then, press O.
4. Next, press E.
5. A format cell dialog box will pop up on the screen.
6. In the Protection tab, select ‘Locked’ or ‘Unlocked’ option and click OK to save.

This shortcut is quite helpful when there are several cells in a sheet that require locking or unlocking.

Interestingly, according to ZDNet, Microsoft Excel was initially called “Multiplan” and designed as a competitor for VisiCalc in 1982.

Locking cells in Excel is easier than locking your heart after a heartbreak – Shortcut #14: Ctrl + Shift + #

Shortcut #14: Ctrl + Shift + #

To quickly format cells as accounting, you can use the keyboard shortcut that involves Ctrl + Shift + #.

1. Select the cells or range of cells that you want to format.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + $ to apply accounting number format with two decimal places and a thousand separator.
3. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + 4 to apply currency format with two decimal places and a dollar sign.

Applying the Ctrl + Shift + # shortcut on your selected cells will save your time and improve efficiency while working on Excel spreadsheets.

Fun Fact: Did you know Microsoft Excel was first introduced in 1985 for Macintosh computers? It was later released for Windows in 1987.

Unlock your inner Excel guru with Ctrl + 4 or $, because who needs locked cells when you can be the master of your data?

Shortcut #15: Ctrl + 4 or $

Locking and unlocking cells in Excel is essential for ensuring data accuracy and security. One of the 17 Excel shortcuts for this task is accomplished using a combination of ‘Ctrl + 4‘ or ‘$‘.

To use this shortcut, follow these four simple steps:

1. Select the cell or range of cells that you want to lock.
2. Press ‘Ctrl + 1‘ to open the Format Cells dialog box.
3. Navigate to the Protection tab and tick on ‘Locked’ or use ‘$’ in front of the cell address you want to lock.
4. Click OK, then go to ‘Review’ tab > Protect Sheet > Apply, can add a password if desired.

It is important to note that by default all cells are locked in an Excel sheet, so locking cells will not restrict editing until protection is applied using Review-Protect Sheet option.

This keyboard shortcut is an efficient way to protect sensitive data that should not be altered without permission.

Did you know? Excel’s cell protection feature was introduced in version 5.0 for Windows in 1993!

Unlock your Excel superpowers with Alt + H + O + A, and feel like a spreadsheet superhero.

Shortcut #16: Alt + H + O + A

This Excel Shortcut allows locking and unlocking cells by pressing Alt + H + O + A. Here’s a guide to using this shortcut.

1. First, select the cells you want to lock or unlock.
2. Press the Alt key on your keyboard and hold it down.
3. While holding down the Alt key, press H, then O, followed by A in quick succession.
4. A drop-down menu will appear. From there, select either “Lock Cells” or “Unlock Cells.”
5. The cells you selected earlier will now either be locked or unlocked depending on your selection in the drop-down menu.

Uniquely, this shortcut can help secure your sensitive data from accidental modification.

One day, I forgot to lock certain cells while sharing a financial report with my teammates. Without being aware of which cells were restricted and which weren’t, they ended up changing some crucial data accidentally. But now, I make sure to use Shortcut #16: Alt + H + O + A to lock all sensitive data before sharing any reports going forward.

Why use a key when you can just use a few key-strokes with Alt + H + O + A to lock and unlock cells in Excel? Efficiency at its finest.

Shortcut #17: Alt + H + O + N

This Excel shortcut allows users to lock and unlock cells by selecting a specific cell or range of cells. By locking cells, users can prevent accidental changes or unauthorized modifications to important data.

6-Step Guide:

1. Select the cell or range of cells that need to be locked.
2. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard and press H.
3. Press O, which will open the Format Cells dialog box.
4. Select the Protection tab and check the box next to “Locked“.
5. Press OK to close the dialog box.
6. To lock the selected cells, press Ctrl + 1 and select “Locked” under “Protection“. To unlock them, simply uncheck the “Locked” box.

It’s important to note that this shortcut only protects against unintentional edits, not malicious ones. Users can still change locked cells if they know how to unprotect them using a password.

Pro Tip: Always remember to protect important data with a strong password for an added layer of security.

FAQs about 17 Excel Shortcuts For Locking And Unlocking Cells

What are the 17 Excel shortcuts for locking and unlocking cells?

The 17 Excel shortcuts for locking and unlocking cells are:

• Ctrl + 1 – Open Format Cells dialog box
• Alt + H + O + I – Lock or unlock cells
• Ctrl + Shift + $ – Apply currency format
• Ctrl + Shift + % – Apply percentage format
• Ctrl + Shift + ~ – Apply general format
• Ctrl + Shift + # – Apply date format
• Ctrl + Shift + @ – Apply time format
• Ctrl + Shift + ! – Apply number format with two decimal places, thousands separator and minus sign for negative values
• Ctrl + Shift + ^ – Apply scientific format
• Ctrl + Shift + & – Apply border outline
• Ctrl + Shift + _ – Remove border
• Ctrl + 5 – Apply strikethrough formatting
• Ctrl + 9 – Hide rows
• Ctrl + 0 – Hide columns
• Ctrl + Shift + ( – Unhide rows
• Ctrl + Shift + ) – Unhide columns
• Ctrl + Shift + * – Select current region around active cell