How to Password-Protect a Word Document: Encrypt It (2026)

A Word document can hold contracts, HR letters, financial figures, or personal details you don't want just anyone to read. Adding a password encrypts the file so it can only be opened by someone who knows it. Here's how to password-protect a Word document on Windows and Mac, how to restrict editing, and how to protect the PDF version too.

Encrypt a Word Document (Windows)

1. Open the document and click File.
2. Select Info.
3. Click Protect Document > Encrypt with Password.
4. Type a password and click OK.
5. Re-enter the same password to confirm and click OK.
6. Save the file so the password takes effect.

The next time anyone opens the document, Word asks for the password before showing any content. The file is encrypted with AES-256, which is strong, so the weak link is your password. Passwords are case-sensitive.

Important: Microsoft cannot recover a forgotten Word password. Store it in a password manager, and share it through a secure channel, never in the same email as the file.

Encrypt a Word Document (Mac)

1. Open the document and go to the Review tab and click Protect Document (or Tools > Protect Document).
2. Under Set a password to open this document, enter your password.
3. To allow reading but not editing, also set a password to modify.
4. Click OK, reconfirm, and save the file.

Restrict Editing Without Full Encryption

If you want people to read the document but not change it, use editing restrictions instead of (or in addition to) an open password.

1. Go to Review > Restrict Editing.
2. Tick Allow only this type of editing in the document and choose No changes (Read only).
3. Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection and set a password.

This locks the content while still letting recipients view it.

Remove a Password From a Word Document

1. Open the document (enter the current password).
2. Go to File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password.
3. Delete the password so the box is empty.
4. Click OK and save.

Protect the PDF Version Too

Word documents are usually shared as PDFs, and the Word password does not carry over when you export. So a "protected" Word file becomes an unprotected PDF the moment you save it as one. Lock the PDF separately with PDF Zone's Encrypt PDF tool:

1. Export your document to PDF (File > Save As > PDF).
2. Open the Encrypt PDF tool.
3. Upload the PDF: it's encrypted locally in your browser, never uploaded.
4. Set a password (and optionally restrict editing/printing), then download.

To stop editing without a password, you can also flatten the PDF. And if you receive a locked PDF you have the right to open, remove the password with the Decrypt PDF tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I put a password on a Word document?

Go to File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password, type a password, confirm it, and save. Word will require the password every time the document is opened.

How do I password-protect a Word document on a Mac?

Open the Review tab and click Protect Document, enter a password to open (and optionally one to modify), confirm, and save the file.

Can I recover a forgotten Word password?

No. Microsoft can't retrieve or reset a Word document's password, and there's no official recovery. Save the password in a password manager as soon as you set it.

How do I make a Word document read-only?

Use Review > Restrict Editing, choose No changes (Read only), start enforcing protection, and set a password. Recipients can read but not edit the document.

Does a Word password protect the PDF version?

No. Exporting to PDF creates an unprotected file. Add protection separately with PDF Zone's Encrypt PDF tool.

How strong is Word's password protection?

When you set a password to open, Word encrypts the file with AES-256, which is very strong. The main vulnerability is a weak password, so use a long, unique one.

How do I remove a password from a Word document?

Open it, go to File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password, clear the password field, click OK, and save.

Is it safe to password-protect a PDF online?

With PDF Zone's Encrypt PDF tool it is, encryption happens locally in your browser and the file is never sent to a server, so your data stays private.

---

Sources: Microsoft Support. Protect a Word document with a password.