There are a few things you can do to protect your word document with a password. The first is to create a strong password. Make sure it is at least 8 characters long and has at least one letter and one number. You can also use a unique, memorable name for your password. The next step is to make sure your computer is secure. Make sure you have installed the latest security software and that your passwords are complex and difficult to guess. You can also set up two-factor authentication, which requires you to provide two pieces of information, such as your name and address, before logging in.
To protect the contents of your Microsoft Word documents, add password protection to them. Doing so prompts the user to enter the password each time the document is opened. We’ll show you how to do that using a built-in Word feature.
Later, you can unprotect your document by removing password protection, if you want.
RELATED: How to Password Protect a ZIP File on Windows
Encrypt a Word Document With a Password
To begin securing your document with a password, open your document with Microsoft Word on your computer.
When your document opens, in Word’s top-left corner, click “File.”
From the left sidebar, select “Info.”
On the right pane, click Protect Document > Encrypt with Password.
An “Encrypt Document” box will open. Here, click the “Password” field and type the password you want to use to protect your document. Then, click “OK.”
In the “Confirm Password” box, click the “Reenter Password” field and type the same password. Then, choose “OK.”
Save your changes by clicking “Save” in Word’s left sidebar.
And that’s it. Your Word document is now protected, and you’ll be asked to enter your password each time you try to open the document.
In the future, if you’d like to remove the password, you can do so easily. Simply open your document with Microsoft Word, choose File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password. Clear the “Password” field’s content and click “OK.” Then, choose “Save” from the left sidebar.
And that’s how you ensure your confidential Word documents are only accessible to you and the authorized users.
Did you know you can protect parts of a Word document instead of protecting the entire document? Read our guide to learn how to do that.
RELATED: How to Protect Parts of a Word Document from Editing
