How to Password-Protect a Word Document and Remove Its Password

To require a password when opening a Word document, choose File → Info → Protect Document → Encrypt with Password, then save the document. To remove it, open the file with the existing password, clear the password through the same setting, and save again.

This guide covers the desktop version of Word for Windows. Menu names and positions can differ between versions.

Set a document-opening password

1. Open the document and choose File → Info.
2. Select Protect Document → Encrypt with Password. This is different from restricting editing or marking a file read-only.
3. Enter the password, confirm it, and enter the same password again when asked. Passwords are case-sensitive, so check your typing and input mode.
4. Press Ctrl+S to save. Close and reopen the file, confirm that a password is requested, and check that the intended password opens it.

Remove the password

1. Open the document using its existing password. This command is not a way to remove an unknown password.
2. Choose File → Info → Protect Document → Encrypt with Password.
3. Clear the password box and confirm.
4. Save the file, close it, and reopen it to check that it opens without requesting a password.

The existing-password requirement and removal procedure are described in Microsoft's password removal instructions. Do not rely only on the protection indicator disappearing; test the saved file by reopening it.

If you forget the password or share the file

Microsoft does not recover forgotten Word document passwords. Store the password securely and decide how you will retain any necessary original or recovery copy. The policy is explained in Microsoft's lost-password guidance.

Sending the file and password in one message gives anyone with access to that message both pieces. Consider a separate channel for the intended recipient. Opening-password protection does not prevent someone who knows the password and opens the file from copying its contents or saving them elsewhere.