Why is the EXE file so large?

The size of the .EXE file is expected because XLS Padlock produces stand-alone EXE files that must work with different Excel and Windows versions. They also use full Unicode support, VBA interpreter and this has a “price” (large size).

Finally, EXE files have got anti-piracy protection which contributes to the size too.

To reduce the size of the EXE file:

⮚You can enable UPX compression in the Advanced Options: tick "Compress EXE files with UPX" to activate the compression. However, please compress EXE files only if you use code signing too because some antivirus can trigger false positives for compressed EXE files.

⮚If you don’t use our advanced protection features, you can disable formula protection and you’ll get a smaller EXE file.