You protected your workbooks with LockXLS
You need a maintained tool to keep shipping updates to your customers. Start from your original workbook, protect it with XLS Padlock and send your customers the new application with new activation keys.
Protect
Looking for LockXLS?
XLS Padlock takes over the same job.
LockXLS protected Excel workbooks and turned them into licensed applications. Its official site no longer offers the product. XLS Padlock does the same work for the workbooks you sell today: it hides formulas, compiles VBA code, locks licenses to a computer and compiles your workbook into an EXE that opens in your customer's Excel.
Checked on October 18, 2026: lockxls.com no longer hosts LockXLS.
Two reasons people search for LockXLS
You need the LockXLS runtime to open a file
We cannot provide LockXLS files or its runtime. Contact the company or person who sent you the protected workbook: only they can give you a working version.
What a LockXLS user finds in XLS Padlock
The LockXLS column lists only what its archived website described. Where that site said nothing, the table says so.
Need LockXLS (archived site) XLS Padlock
Hide formulas
LockXLS (archived site): Formulas stored in encrypted form
XLS Padlock: Selected formulas are hidden and keep calculating
Protect VBA code
LockXLS (archived site): VBA code stored in encrypted form
XLS Padlock: VBA compiler: subs and functions are compiled and the source code leaves the workbook
Lock a license to one computer
LockXLS (archived site): Hardware-based computer code and activation code
XLS Padlock: Hardware-locked activation keys tied to the customer's System ID
Trial versions
LockXLS (archived site): Trial period and registration reminder
XLS Padlock: Keys limited by number of days, expiration date or run count, with an optional reminder screen
Online activation and deactivation
LockXLS (archived site): Not described
XLS Padlock: Online activation, validation and deactivation on your own PHP server, with free kits
USB protection
LockXLS (archived site): USB protection
XLS Padlock: USB dongle or generic USB stick required to run the application
License agreement and splash screen
LockXLS (archived site): EULA and splash screen
XLS Padlock: EULA and splash screen
Application file
LockXLS (archived site): EXE file that runs on Excel
XLS Padlock: Single EXE file, 32-bit, 64-bit or Universal, that opens in the customer's Excel
Installer
LockXLS (archived site): MSI setup wizard
XLS Padlock: Installer generated with Paquet Builder (installed separately)
Saving user changes
LockXLS (archived site): Changed cells saved to external files
XLS Padlock: Encrypted save of the full workbook or of selected cell values
Selling online
LockXLS (archived site): Not described
XLS Padlock: Automatic key delivery with the free WooCommerce and FastSpring kits
Move a LockXLS project to XLS Padlock in five steps
- 01
Get your original workbook
Use the unprotected XLS, XLSX, XLSM or XLSB file you edited before locking it. A LockXLS-protected file cannot be converted.
- 02
Install the free trial
XLS Padlock installs as an add-in for Excel 2010 or newer and Microsoft 365, and adds its own ribbon tab.
- 03
Set up protection
Choose the formulas to hide, compile your VBA code and set the restrictions: saving, printing, copying, exporting.
- 04
Set up licensing
Turn on activation keys, hardware locking, trial limits or online activation, as your LockXLS project did.
- 05
Ship the new application
Compile the EXE, build an installer if you need one, and send your customers new activation keys.
LockXLS questions
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Is LockXLS still available?
We could not find it. On October 18, 2026, lockxls.com no longer hosted the product and its publisher's site did not list it. The latest version in its archived changelog is 7.2.0, from October 2023.
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Can XLS Padlock open or convert a LockXLS-protected workbook?
No. Start from your original, unprotected workbook and protect it again with XLS Padlock.
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Do my LockXLS activation codes work with XLS Padlock?
No. XLS Padlock uses its own activation keys. Issue new keys to your customers when you send them the new application.
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Do my customers need Microsoft Excel?
Yes. Like LockXLS, XLS Padlock runs the workbook in the customer's own Excel: Excel 2010 or newer, or Microsoft 365, 32-bit or 64-bit.
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I only need the LockXLS runtime to open a file. Can you help?
No, we cannot provide LockXLS or its runtime. Contact the company or person who sent you the file.
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How much does XLS Padlock cost?
A license is a one-time purchase of 149 EUR excl. VAT with 12 months of maintenance, and you distribute your applications royalty-free. The free trial never expires; applications compiled with it show a reminder and expire a few days after compilation.
Related guides
The XLS Padlock features LockXLS users ask about first.