This announcement was made at Google Cloud Next ‘23. Visit the Workspace Blog to learn more about latest security updates and the next wave of AI innovation in Workspace.


What’s changing
Launching in beta, you can now view and edit client-side encrypted Excel files with Google Sheets. Any changes made are saved in the original Excel format. We are making it easy for you to leverage Google Workspace with the tools and formats you already use while preserving confidentiality of your sensitive data with client-side encryption. 

In Google Sheets, navigate to File > Import.


Additional details
With this release:
  • You can only view and edit .xslx Excel file types. Additional Excel and tabular file types are not supported.
  • The maximum supported file size is 20MB.
  • Maximum number of cells that can be opened is 5 million.

As we continue to improve Office editing in encrypted Google Sheets, you may encounter incompatibilities for certain features. 

Some features are not displayed and/or editable, but will be preserved in the document and viewable in Microsoft Office.

Other features may be lost or altered in the latest version of the file when it is edited in Google Sheets. You will see a notification within the document if editing will cause any features to be lost or altered.

Getting started
Rollout pace
Availability
  • Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard and Education Plus customers