What happens if you’re sent a Word document that’s password-protected? How do you open it, and what happens if you don’t have a password? When it comes to opening password-locked Word documents, there are a few methods you can use. Not having the password for a Word document can make things more complicated, but not impossible.
This guide explains how to open a password-protected Microsoft Word and gives useful tips for doing so.
Key Takeaways
Be sure to obtain the password through a secure and separate channel.
Open password-locked Word documents without a password by converting the document into a Google Doc or XML document or using an online password cracker.
Only use trusted software, like LostMyPass and Passper, to crack your password.
How to Open Password-Protected Word Documents with a Password
So, you need to open a Microsoft Word document that’s password protected, and luckily, you have the password, but how do you open it?
Having the password for protected documents makes the process much easier regardless of what version of Microsoft Word you are using. Here’s how:
Word 2010 or Later
These steps are helpful for people using Word 2010 and later models.
Open the document in Microsoft Word
On the left-hand side menu, select “Info”
Then select “File”
You’ll notice on the document, a new button will pop up saying “Protect Document” Select this option
A submenu will open, scroll down and select “Restrict Editing”
On the right-hand side of the document, another menu will pop up. Select “Stop Protection”
A window will appear where you’ll need to input the password for the document
Input the password
By following these steps, you can unlock the Word document.
Word 2007 or Earlier
Unlocking a password-protected Word document is much simpler with Word 2007 and older.
Open the document in Microsoft Word
In the menu, select “Tools”
Then you’ll need to select “Stop Protection”
A window will pop up where you’ll need to type in the password
The classic pull-down menus of the older Word processors make the process much simpler.
How to Open Read-Only Documents
Opening a read-only document is quite simple.
Find the saved file in your stored location
Click on the file once
Under “Tools” on the bottom right, select the arrow pointing down next to “Open.”
Scroll through the drop-down menu and select “Open Read-Only”
People often make the mistake of thinking that because their document is read-only, it’s secure. However, cyber hackers can still access it if they’re creative enough. Therefore, you should still password-protect read-only documents.
5 Methods to Open Password-Protected Word Documents Without a Password
You can open password-protected Word documents without a password. The process is not as simple, but here are five methods to try. None of these are guaranteed to work, however.
1. Word to XML method
Thanks to Microsoft, before you resort to spending money on expensive password-cracking software, you can try removing the password using readily available tools.
Open Microsoft Word
From the menu, select “File”
Select “Save As”
Choose the password-locked document and then scroll underneath until you get to “Word XML Document”
Hit the save button
Open the newly saved XML document in the Windows Notepad editor
Use the search function in the document and type in “W: Enforcement”
Once you’ve found this code in the document, replace the number “1” with “0”
Save the document
Open again in Microsoft Word and save as a Word document
Ensure you follow these instructions carefully to remove the password from the Word document.
2. Google Documents Method
If you’re using a Mac OS device, you can use Google Docs to try to unprotect the Word document.
Log into your Google Docs account
Select the folder icon
Choose “Open a File Menu”
Select “Upload”
Drag and drop your Word document in the directed area or select the document from your device
You should have removed the password by uploading the Word document into Google Docs. You can then save the edited Google Doc back to a Microsoft Word document.
3. LostMyPass
Using online password cracker software like LostMyPass is an easy method to try if you’re looking for a free and user-friendly interface.
Open your browser
Type in “lostmypass.com”
Upload your Word document to the webpage following the on-page instructions
Once the website has cracked the password, a window will pop up with the password
4. Passper
Tech editor at Increditools, Colin Tan, explains:
“Losing your password to some important document can be your worst nightmare. However, technology has excelled in ways we can’t even imagine, which brings in several tools and software that can open your password-protected files without a password. One of the best tools in this forte is Passper, which has the highest recovery rate within the market. Its success rate is 100% and the best part is, it’s much easier to use and access.”
What we love about Passper is it’s a Microsoft-compatible software and is easy to use.
Download the Passper software from passper.imyfone.com
Open the software and select “Recover Passwords”
Select “add” to upload your Word document
Select the recovery method you want to use
Select “Recover”
5. Guaword
If you’re using Word 2007 and earlier, this method will work best for you. Guaword is software with a command line you’ll need to use to unlock a password. Here are the steps to unlock your Word document:
Start by backing up the locked document in your external drive
Install Guaword on your device
Move a copy of your backed-up document to the same folder the Guaword software is in
Press “Start + R”
A command window will pop up where you’ll need to type “cmd”
Type in “Gauword (the name of the locked Word document).doc”
Click on “Enter”
Following these instructions will start the decryption process. This method can take days to decrypt, so we recommend it as a last resort.
Extra: MS Visual Basic for Application (VBA)
If you don’t want to go down the route of installing third-party software, the MS Visual Basic for Application (VBA) built-in Windows system is a great choice. Here’s what you need to do:
Open the Word document
Press “ALT + F11” to open the Visual Basic editor
Your file will open in a new window
Right-click on the document file name and select “Insert”
Then select “>module”
Enter the following code:
Click on the “Run” icon
A pop-up box will appear and should help you unlock the document
5 Tips When Opening a Password-Protected Word Document
When opening a password-protected document, there are ways to ensure its contents remain safe at all times.
Receive the Password Over a Secure & Separate Channel
Ensure the password is sent to you via a secure channel. For example, if the password was sent online via email or messenger along with the document in the same message, there’s a possibility hackers may have access to both the document and password.
Ensure the document and password were sent through fully encrypted means. If they weren’t the chances of a hacker getting access to that sensitive information skyrockets.
Write Down the Password & Confirm (if received on phone/conversation)
If you received the password through a phone conversation or face-to-face, it can be easy to forget it, and then you’re stuck. It’s a good idea to write down the password and confirm it.
Write it on a piece of paper or on your cell phone. As tempting as it is to scribble the password on your hand, don’t. It’s a security risk and can get smudged. Trustworthy is the best alternative to store your passwords securely thanks to advanced security measures like two-factor authentication, biometric (facial or fingerprint) authentication and AES 256-bit encryption.
Ensure the Password Doesn’t Get Leaked
You must keep the password safe. If you’re keeping the password on your device, it’s a good idea to put it in a locked password manager or keep the written password in a safe place where no one else can access it.
Use Trusted Software (If you’re trying to open without a password)
If you’re using password cracker software online, use trusted software. A simple search on Google reveals an array of free options. However, be wary, as some of them can put your data at risk for a breach.
Do your research and read reviews available online. If there are very few reviews, we suggest looking at a different software.
Additionally, VP of Solutions at Centific, Sanjay Bhakta, emphasizes the importance of updating software, saying:
“There’s an opportunity cost of updating software immediately or delaying the decision. Unfortunately, the average person deprioritizes updates, attributing a lower probability of occurrence for an attack.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to unlock a Word document without a password?
It is possible to unlock a Word document without a password. However, it may be slightly more complicated, and there’s always a chance it will not work.
Why is my Word document not letting me edit it?
This may be because of the document protections, and it is just a case of enabling editing. Click on the “Enable Editing” option, which will appear in a yellow banner.
How do I make a document unable to be edited?
To prevent others from editing your document, open the document and select the” Review” tab. Then, choose the “Restrict Editing” option.
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