Password Protecting a Word Document

Users have the option of password protecting a Word document. This would require that a password be used in order to open, view or modify a document.

IMPORTANT: If you decide to password protect a file be very careful when typing in the password. If you type the password in incorrectly when you first set it up or if you forget the password once you’ve created it, there will be no way to access the document.

Open the file in Word that you wish to protect.
On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click Security.

image of the Options Menu for password protection

You have two options for protection. One is to create a password that will allow others to open and view a file but not change it. The other option is to allow someone else to open, view and modify a file. Choose one of the following:

Creating a Password to Open and View but NOT Modify a Document:

In the Password to open box, type a password, and then click OK.
In the Reenter password to open box, type the password again, and then click OK.

Creating a Password to Open, View and Modify a Document:

In the Password to modify box, type a password, and then click OK.
In the Reenter password to modify box, type the password again, and then click OK.

IMPORTANT: If you decide to password protect a file be very careful when typing in the password. If you type the password in incorrectly when you first set it up or if you forget the password once you’ve created it, there will be no way to access the document.