How to Unprotect a Word Document Without the Password

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The ability to password protect an MS Word document is a very useful feature. It helps to keep your documents private or manage shared access with several authorized users. However, if you lose the password, you will be left with a document you can’t edit at all. This article will show you how to remove the Word password if you have lost or forgot it.

If you can't edit the document, use Method 1, 2 or 3 to remove protection. If you can't open your document without password, use Method 4 or Method 5.

Using WordPad

Use WordPad to edit your file. [1] X Research source WordPad is a word processor that comes with Microsoft Windows. It’s more basic than MS Word, but it’s possible to edit .docx and .doc files in it.

• Skip this step if WordPad editing options are enough for you - once open in WordPad, document will be unprotected.

Using Google Docs

• You can use this method if you need to unprotect the document on Mac OS.

• Create a Google account if you don't have it. How to Make a Google Account article can help you with that.

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• You can also drag and drop the file into the outlined rectangular section of the screen.

• Skip this step if you are okay with editing the document in Google Docs - protection is removed once file is uploaded.

Using an Online Password Cracker (Word 2007 or above)

• Right-click on the file and choose Properties to check it's extension. For .doc files the previous method can be used.

• This method also works for documents created in Word for Mac OS.

If your file is big, you will be able to download a demo-file with first paragraphs of your document. You'll need a license key to get the full document.

Using VBA Code

• Click File -> Save As.
• Choose the folder to save the file in.
• Under the file name click on the menu Save as type.
• Choose Word 97-2003 (.doc).
• Click Save.

• Files in Word 97-2003 format have a different icon image than regular .docx file.

Right-click the file name in the "Project - VBAProject" panel in the top left corner of the screen. Choose Insert -> Module in the menu.

Sub PasswordBreaker() Dim i As Integer, j As Integer, k As Integer Dim l As Integer, m As Integer, n As Integer Dim i1 As Integer, i2 As Integer, i3 As Integer Dim i4 As Integer, i5 As Integer, i6 As Integer On Error Resume Next For i = 65 To 66: For j = 65 To 66: For k = 65 To 66 For l = 65 To 66: For m = 65 To 66: For i1 = 65 To 66 For i2 = 65 To 66: For i3 = 65 To 66: For i4 = 65 To 66 For i5 = 65 To 66: For i6 = 65 To 66: For n = 32 To 126 ActiveSheet.Unprotect Chr(i) & Chr(j) & Chr(k) & _ Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & Chr(i3) & _ Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n) If ActiveSheet.ProtectContents = False Then MsgBox "Password is " & Chr(i) & Chr(j) & _ Chr(k) & Chr(l) & Chr(m) & Chr(i1) & Chr(i2) & _ Chr(i3) & Chr(i4) & Chr(i5) & Chr(i6) & Chr(n) Exit Sub End If Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next Next: Next: Next: Next: Next: Next End Sub 

Press Alt+F11 again to close the VBA editor, click on the protected text to open the Restrict Editing menu. Click Stop Protection. It will stop protection without the password.

Using a Free Password Cracker (Word 97-2003)

• If you can open your document, use one of the methods above instead.

Understand that using a password cracker is not a guaranteed success, but it’s the only way to unlock Word documents protected by the password to open. [3] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source

• Unfortunately, there are no free password crackers available for newer versions of MS Word.

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• You can pause and resume it anytime with the respective buttons, but if you close the cracker before finishing the attack, it will be terminated and you’ll have to start again.

See the message with results. If the password was found, proceed to Step 13. If the password was not found, click OK. This will return you to the Select approach page.

• Check shorter passwords with less types of symbols first.

Expert Q&A

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