Forgot Word Document Password: How to Unlock Word Document
Did you forget the password to a Word document? In this complete article, we’ll cover password and no-password Word document unlocking. Microsoft Word does not allow you to open a document without a password, but there are ways to accomplish it.
Part 1: Open Word document lock with password
Unlocking a Word document is straightforward with a password. This section shows how to open a password-protected Word document in various MS Word versions.
For Word 2010/2013/2016/2019/Microsoft 365:
- Open Word and enter your password.
- From “File” pick “Information” and click “Protect Document” and “Password Encryption”.
- Unlock the encrypted file in the pop-up box by deleting password and clicking “OK”.
For Word 2007 and earlier:
- Open Word and enter your password.
- Select “Save as” from the orange Microsoft symbol in the upper left.
- After selecting “Tools” in a new window, select “General Options”.
- Remove “Code to Open” password. Change your password by deleting password protection. Click “OK”
- Avoid document duplication by renaming the file. Finally, click “Save”. Word file unlocked.
Part 2: Open Word document lock without a password
Method 1: Open Word document lock with Google Docs (for read-only documents)
Google Docs can open password-protected Word files without encryption. Google Docs can bypass read-only restrictions. Google Document will convert the only readable Word document into an editable format. Follow these steps:
- Google Drive (drive.google.com) requires a Google account.
- Click the bottom-right “Folders” icon.
- Select “Upload” and “Browse” to update only readable Word files.
- Right-click the uploaded file and select “Open with” > “Google Docs”.
- Open the document in Google Docs to modify.
- Click File > Download > Microsoft Word to save altered documents. (.docx)
Method 2: Open the Word document lock with Guaword
Guaword is a unique command line tool that guarantees the cracking of passwords for all Word documents for free. Unlike other password solvers, Guawords does not require a program or page to work. Follow these steps to unlock your Word document using GuaWord:
- Create a backup of your document on an external drive
- Download and extract Guaword.exe to a folder on your computer. (e.g., desktop).
- Copy your.doc file (e.g. abc.doc) to the same folder as Guaword
- Press the start + R button at the same time to open the command window.
- In a new window, type “cmd” and go to the folder location of the Guaword.exe file.
- Now type “Guaword.doc” and press Enter. The decryption process will start.
Note: Guaword only works with older Word documents on Windows or Linux computers. Password breaking process may take a long time.
Method 3: Open the Word document lock with MS Visual Basic for Application (VBA)
If you do not want to use a command program or install third-party software, you can use MS Visual Basic for Application (VBA) to open password-protected Word documents. Follow these steps:
- Word document open
- ALT+F11 opens Visual Basic Editor.
- In a new window, right-click the picture name and choose “Insert” > “Modules”.
- Open an empty window. Copy and paste the code there.
- Click run. The reset password will appear in a little pop-up box, letting you open Word.
Note: VBA only works with older Windows Word documents. Up to 3 passwords can be broken.
Method 4: Recover Word document password with Word Online Password Unlocker
There are many online tools for resolving passwords in Word documents. One of these useful tools is LostMyPass, which can be found on lostmypass.com. This website has a user-friendly interface and a free password recovery tool for Word document. The following steps will describe the process:
- Enter “lostmypass.com” in your browser.
- Upload your password-protected Word documents to LostMyPass Word’s Password Recovery Tool
- The site will start the password hacking process automatically. Once completed, a new window will show the password that has been recovered.
- Copy the received password and use it to unlock your Word document.
For those who want to crack complicated passwords, ifindpass.com offers various methods and fast decryption speeds for a reasonable fee.
Method 5: Recover Word document password with Word password recovery software
In addition to the online tool, there are several Word password recovery software options to help unlock your Word documents. One such software is “Passper”, which is free and easy to use. Follow these steps to use Passper:
- Go to passper.imyfone.com and download Passper software.
- Install and open the software, then select the “Recover Passwords” option.
- Add a Word document that protects your password by clicking the “Add” button.
- When uploading, the program will give you four methods of recovery that suit different situations, choosing the most appropriate method according to your situation.
- Click on “Recover” to start the password recovery process. When completed, the software will display the recovered password. Copy this password to unlock and open your Word document.
A cost-effective program with improved algorithms and faster decryption rates, iSunShare Word Password Genius offers GPU acceleration. iSonShare word Password genius automatically saves progress if decoding is halted.
Recover deleted/missing/unsaved Word documents using WinfrGUI
In some cases, none of the above-mentioned methods will help in recovering your Word documents. This is where the WinfrGUI data recovery tool can prove to be very valuable. Designed to find deleted or unsaved word documents. Winfr GUI has an easy-to-use interface and uses a powerful search algorithm. The following steps will describe how to use WinfrgUI:
- Download WinfrGUI from the official website and install it on your PC.
- Open the application and select a disk or location where the previously unsaved Word document is.
- The scan process will start immediately and you can track its progress on the screen.
- WinfrGUI will search for different file types, but you can minimize the result by specifying the file type, such as “unsaved file” or “document”.
- When you search for an unsaved Word document, please look at the first page to check the contents. If the file is corrupted, the program will try to repair it automatically.
- If the recovered document has everything you need, click “Recover” to save it to your PC.
Consideration before unlocking Word documents without a password
While unlocking Word documents is possible through various methods, there are factors to consider. Be careful when using a website or software to unlock some documents, there may be malware that can damage your computer. Also, please note that unauthorized access to someone else’s files may have legal consequences. Beware and make sure you have the right to unblock and access the relevant documents.
Conclusion
Unlocking Word documents, whether password protected or completely forgotten, is possible with the help of online tools and software. By choosing the right way to unlock password-protected Word documents. You can enjoy a fast and hassle-free experience.
Forgot Word Document Password: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can you unlock a Word document?
A: To unlock a Word document, open the file and go to “Files” > “Information”> “Protect Document”. Select “Crypt with Password” and enter the valid code. If you do not have a password, other methods such as Google Docs or special encryption recovery software are available.
Q: Why does my Word document not allow me to edit it?
A: There are several reasons why your Word document can’t be edited. It may be because of password protection, read-only mode, or document restrictions. To fix this problem, please check your password protection. Make sure that the file is not set for only reading, and make sure that there are no editing limitations.
Q: Can I lock a Word file?
A: Yes, Word files can only be locked using password protection or setting the document to read mode. Edit restrictions can also be applied to limit the actions that users can do in the document.
>>Also Read: How to Create a Windows Password Recovery Disc