setting a word document password.docx

7/27/2019 Setting a Word Document Password.docx

1/7

Word>Security and privacy

Set a password to open or modify a document,workbook, or presentation

In the 2007 Microsoft Office system, you can use passwords to help prevent other people from opening or modifying

Microsoft Office Word 2007 documents, Microsoft Office Excel 2007 workbooks, and Microsoft Office PowerPoint

2007 presentations.

This article describes how to set a password to open or modify a file, and how to change or remove the password.

There are other articles that describe using passwords toprotect formatting in documentsandprotect worksheet or

workbook elements. For information about how to rights-manage content using Information Rights Management

(IRM), seeRestrict permission to confidential information in Office files.

What do you want to do?

Set a password for a document

Set a password for a workbook

Set a password for a presentation

Change a password

Remove a password

Set a password for a document

To allow only authorized reviewers to view or modify your content, you can help secure your entire document with a

password.

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Save As.

2. Click Tools, and then click General Options.
http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10090865.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10090865.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10090865.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078580.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078580.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078580.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078580.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10102918.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10102918.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10102918.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#1http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#1http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#2http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#2http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#3http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#3http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#4http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#4http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#5http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#5http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#5http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#4http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#3http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#2http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#1http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10102918.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078580.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078580.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10090865.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm


2/7

3. Do one or both of the following:

If you want reviewers to enter a password before they can view the document, type a password in

the Password to open box.

If you want reviewers to enter a password before they can save changes to the document, type a

password in the Password to modify box.

NOTES

Password to open By default, this feature uses advanced encryption. Encryption is a standard

method used to help make your file more secure.

Password to modify This feature does not use any encryption method. It is designed so you can

collaborate with content reviewers you trust. Is not designed to help make your file more secure.

Both passwords You can assign both passwords one to access the file and one to provide

specific reviewers with permission to modify its content. Make sure each password is different from

the other.

IMPORTANT

Use strong passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Weak

passwords don't mix these elements. Strong password: Y6dh!et5. Weak password: House27. Passwords

should be 8 or more characters in length. A pass phrase that uses 14 or more characters is better. For

more information, seeHelp protect your personal information with strong passwords.

It is critical that you remember your password. If you forget your password, Microsoft cannot retrieve it.

Store the passwords that you write down in a secure place away from the information that they help

protect.

4. If you don't want content reviewers to accidentally modify the file, select the Read-only recommended

check box. When opening the file, reviewers are asked whether or not they want to open the file as read-

only.
http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033


3/7

5. Click OK.

6. When prompted, retype your passwords to confirm them, and then click OK.

7. Click Save.

8. If prompted, clickYes to replace the existing document.

Top of Page

Set a password for a workbook

To allow only authorized reviewers to view or modify your data, you can help secure your entire workbook file with a

password.




If you want reviewers to enter a password before they can view the workbook, type a password in


If you want reviewers to enter a password before they can save changes to the workbook, type a


NOTES


http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotop


4/7

Password to modify This feature does not use any encryption method. It is designed so you can

collaborate with content reviewers you trust. Is not designed to help make your file more secure.

Both passwords You can assign both passwords one to access the file and one to provide


the other.

IMPORTANT







protect.

4. If you don't want content reviewers to accidentally modify the file, select the Read-only recommended

check box. When opening the file, reviewers will be asked whether or not they want to open the file as

read-only.

5. Click OK.


7. Click Save.

8. If prompted, clickYes to replace the existing workbook.

NOTE Securing an entire workbook with a password is separate from the workbook and worksheet

protection that you can set on the Review tab in the Changes group. For more information about

workbook and worksheet protection, seeChange or remove protection of worksheet or workbook

elements.
http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078581.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078581.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078581.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078581.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078581.htmhttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HP10078581.htmhttp://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033


5/7

Top of Page

Set a password for a presentation

To allow only authorized reviewers to view or modify your content, you can help secure your entire presentation file

with a password.




If you want reviewers to enter a password before they can view the presentation, type a password in


If you want reviewers to enter a password before they can save changes to the presentation, type a


NOTES



Password to modify By default, this feature uses advanced encryption. Encryption is a standard


Both passwords You can assign both passwords

one to access the file and one to provide


the other.

IMPORTANT
http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotop


6/7







protect.

4. Click OK.


6. Click Save.

7. If prompted, clickYes to replace the existing presentation.

Top of Page

Change a password


Open the file using your open password and as read/write.

Open the file using your modify password and as read/write.



4. Select the existing password, and then type a new password.
http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidAWSContentRedir?AssetID=XT011004511033&CTT=11&Origin=1033


7/7

5. Click OK.

6. When prompted, retype your password to confirm it, and then click OK.

7. Click Save.

8. If prompted, clickYes to replace the existing file.

Top of Page

Remove a password


Open the file using your open password and as read/write.

Open the file using your modify password and as read/write.



4. Select the password, and then press DELETE.

5. Click OK.

6. Click Save.

7. If prompted, clickYes to replace the existing file.

Top of Page
http://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotophttp://ms-help//MS.WINWORD.12.1033/WINWORD/content/HA10148333.htm#backtotop

setting a word document password.docx

Documents