Windows 11 · Windows
Remove a Word Document Password You Know
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Open an authorized document with its current password, clear Encrypt with Password, then save and verify a separate unprotected copy.
Confirm authorization and create a backup
Use this procedure only when you may change the document and know its current password. Duplicate the file first and keep the protected original. Microsoft cannot retrieve a forgotten document password for you, and this guide does not cover password guessing, cracking tools, or bypassing protection on someone else's document.
Open the protected document
Open the working copy in desktop Word and enter the current password exactly. Confirm the document content and filename before removing encryption. If Word opens in Protected View or read-only mode for another reason, resolve that separate trust, permission, or file-location issue rather than assuming the password is the cause.
Open Encrypt with Password
Choose File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password. This control concerns the password required to open the document. Editing restrictions, read-only recommendations, rights management, and organization policies are different protections and may need their own authorized controls.
Clear the password and save
Delete every character from the Password box, choose OK, then save the working document under a new descriptive filename. Do not leave placeholder spaces in the box. Keep the original protected copy until you have verified the new file and delivered it only to the intended people.
Verify the unprotected copy
Close Word completely, reopen the newly saved file, and confirm that it opens without requesting the removed password. Check tracked changes, comments, links, images, and formatting so password removal is not confused with file corruption or a bad save location.
Troubleshoot the wrong protection type
If Encrypt with Password is unavailable or clearing it does not remove the prompt you expected, note the exact message. The file may use editing restrictions, sensitivity labels, rights management, an add-in, or operating-system permissions. Contact the document owner or administrator for those controls; do not convert or upload a confidential file to an unknown unlocking service.
Optional sponsored tool
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Video walkthrough
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.