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How to Password Protect a Word Document

Tap a step to see how to password protect a Word document.

  1. Click "Info" under the "File" tab

    Click the "File" tab at the top of Word, then select "Info" from the left-hand menu.

  2. Click "Protect Document"

    On the Info screen, click the "Protect Document" icon.

  3. Select "Encrypt with Password"

    Click "Encrypt with Password" from the dropdown menu.

  4. Enter and re-confirm your password

    Type your chosen password, click OK, then type the same password again to finish setting it.

  5. Why it helps

    When a document holds sensitive information like personal details or a contract, setting a password means only the people who know it can open the file.

If sensitive documents are open for anyone to view

Contracts, HR files, and documents containing personal information should be protected so not just anyone can open them. Setting a password means only someone who knows it can view the contents, lowering the risk of the information leaking out.

How to remove the password later

If you no longer need the protection, open the document (entering the password when prompted), go back to "File β†’ Info β†’ Protect Document β†’ Encrypt with Password," and this time delete the password from the field before clicking OK. Leaving the field blank removes the encryption entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I forget the password, can I never open the document again?

That is correct β€” Word's encryption provides strong protection, but there is no official recovery method if you forget the password, so be sure to store it somewhere safe separately.

Can I still send the file to someone else after setting a password?

Yes. The file itself transfers normally, and the recipient will simply need to enter the password you set before they can view the contents.