Protect Worksheet in WPS on macOS FAQ

Last updated:July 16, 2026

Common questions about Protect Worksheet usually focus on passwords, permission settings, and locked ranges; this FAQ includes 4 frequent questions plus a glossary.

FAQ

What should I do if I forget the protection password?

  1. The original password is required when you remove worksheet protection.
  2. If the password is forgotten, the worksheet cannot be unprotected through the normal process.
  3. It is recommended to store the password safely when you set it.

Why can’t I still sort or filter after protection is turned on?

  1. Before you protect the worksheet, check whether Sort or Use AutoFilter was selected in the allowed actions list.
  2. If those options were not selected, the related actions stay restricted while the sheet is protected.
  3. Remove protection, adjust the allowed actions, and then protect the worksheet again.

What is the difference between Protect Worksheet and Lock Cell?

  1. Lock Cell marks which areas should be restricted from editing.
  2. Protect Worksheet turns those restrictions on and controls which actions remain available.
  3. The protection effect on locked areas appears when both are used together.

Why is it helpful to keep unlocked cells selectable?

  1. In entry templates or shared worksheets, users often need to move directly to editable areas.
  2. If unlocked cells cannot be selected, users may have trouble finding where input is allowed.
  3. For that reason, it is often useful to keep basic selection permissions that match the actual workflow.

Glossary

TermDefinition
Protect WorksheetA feature that applies editing restrictions to the current worksheet and can be used with a password and allowed-action settings.
Locked CellA setting that marks whether a cell should be restricted from editing when worksheet protection is active.
Unprotect WorksheetThe action that removes the current worksheet protection state, usually after the correct password is entered.
AutoFilterA spreadsheet feature used to filter data by conditions; its availability depends on the permissions selected during protection.