Key Takeaways
Modern Word encryption can't be bypassed. Since 2007, Microsoft has used AES-based protection that can’t be cracked by common recovery tools or workarounds.
Removing a password is simple — if you know it. Once unlocked, go to File → Info → Protect Document → Encrypt With Password to clear it permanently.
“Read-only” doesn’t mean secure. Restricting edits won’t stop someone from copying or viewing your content; only encryption keeps files private.
Avoid online password-cracker sites. Many harvest uploaded files or install malware — especially those claiming instant results.
Protect passwords the right way. Share them through encrypted channels and store them securely in a digital vault like Trustworthy.
If you’ve received a Microsoft Word file that’s password-protected, you might need to unlock it, remove its protection, or figure out what to do if you can’t open it at all.
This article covers how to safely handle encrypted Word files, what no longer works, and how to keep both your documents and passwords secure.
Opening Password-Protected Word Documents
Q: How can I remove a password from a Word document I've unlocked?
A: Once the file is open, go to File → Info → Protect Document → Encrypt with Password, clear the password field, click OK, and save. The document will remain unlocked going forward. This process works across all current versions of Word.
Q: What’s the difference between read-only and password-protected files?
A: A read-only file only prevents you from overwriting it. It doesn’t encrypt the contents, so anyone with access can still read or copy the text. For true privacy, use "Encrypt With Password" instead of "Restrict Editing."
Storing your protected files in Trustworthy's digital vault adds a layer of privacy beyond a simple Word password. Trustworthy encrypts every file, monitors for breaches, and lets you safely share access with family or advisors when needed
If You Don't Have the Password
Q: Can I open a Word document without the password?
A: Not with modern encryption. Since Word 2007, Microsoft has used AES encryption for "password to open" protection, and there are no reliable workarounds. If you need access, ask the file owner for the password, look for an unencrypted version, or restore a backup copy.
Even if you can’t recover a lost password, you can prevent this situation in the future by storing critical documents and their passwords in Trustworthy, where they’re encrypted, searchable, and always accessible to authorized users.
Q: I found online tools that claim to recover passwords. Should I try them?
A: Be cautious. Most tools only work on very old Word files or require uploading your document to an unknown server — a serious privacy risk. For current .docx files, these tools rarely succeed.
Q: What about older tricks like converting the file to XML or using a VBA macro?
A: Those methods are obsolete. The “Word to XML” workaround and “PasswordBreaker” macros stopped working after Microsoft switched to modern encryption. Today, macros from untrusted sources are blocked for security reasons.
Keeping Password-Protected Documents Secure
Q: How should I receive a password safely?
A: Ask the sender to share it through a separate, encrypted channel — like Signal, iMessage, or WhatsApp — instead of the same email as the file.
Q: How strong should my password be?
A: Use a passphrase that’s at least 12 characters long with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across different files.
Q: Where should I store passwords for important documents?
A: Trustworthy is a strong option. Unlike a traditional password manager, Trustworthy lets you organize the documents themselves — not just the passwords — while protecting them with AES-256 encryption, tokenization, multi-factor authentication, biometric security, and other features.
Q: Is it safe to use free password recovery websites?
A: No. Many collect the files you upload or install malware. If you try password recovery, use trusted local software — and only for files you’re authorized to access.
Q: Do I need to keep Word updated?
A: Yes. Microsoft regularly releases security updates that strengthen encryption and fix vulnerabilities. Staying current keeps your documents secure.
Q: Why can’t I edit my Word document?
A: It may be in “Restricted Editing” mode. Click Enable Editing if prompted, or ask the file owner for the edit password.
Q: How can I prevent others from editing my document?
A: Go to the Review tab and choose Restrict Editing. For stronger protection that stops anyone from even opening the file, use File → Info → Protect Document → Encrypt With Password.
The Bottom Line
Modern Word encryption is robust — and that’s by design. If you have permission and the correct password, unlocking a file is simple. If not, there’s no shortcut. Use strong passwords, share them securely, and store your important documents in a trusted, encrypted environment.
For lasting peace of mind, store your essential files and passwords in Trustworthy. Its secure, private digital vault keeps your family’s most important information protected, organized, and available whenever you need it.
We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to email us with any questions, comments, or suggestions for future article topics.
