Microsoft Word is the most used program for almost all kinds of textual data. It comes with exceptional features, including encryption ability. Hence, you can protect your work and lock it with a restriction password. However, the road may not be too rosy, and you end up forgetting the set password. This may throw you into a disarray of worries when you need to access your file. This article will show you how to unprotect word file without password in simple steps.
Explore these four ways to unprotect Word files. You can use the best option – the PassFab tool or explore the other available means, including online recovery.
Method 1. Best Way to Unprotect Word Document without Password – Use PassFab for Word
This powerful Microsoft Word password recovery tool works in simple steps to unprotect your word file. With a speed of up to X40 rate, this tool is everything for quick decryption. And it has no boundaries for Word versions; it works on Version 2019, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2010, and many others. You only need a hard disk space of 200MB, and you are good to go, decrypting both .doc and .docx word files. PassFab for Word supports numerous Windows operating systems like Windows 10, 8.1, 8, Vista, and XP.
Follow these steps to learn how to unprotect a word document without the password with the best tool – PassFab for Word. It has a simple procedure and ensures security upon your files. Likewise, you choose from among its three Attack modes depending on your case.
Step 1. Download PassFab for Word
Visit the ‘PassFab for Word’ site and click the ‘Download’ button. Once downloaded, install it on your computer, then launch the program. You can kick off with the free version. However, for added features like free updates and protection with advanced encryption and fraud protection, ensure you upgrade to the paid version.
Step 2. Import Password-protected Word Document
Once launched, go to the main interface, click the ‘Add’ button and select the encrypted word document. Then click the ‘Open’ option to load your files and start to unprotect the word document.
Step 3. Select Attack Type
PassFab for Word has 3 password attack modes. You can use the Dictionary Attack, Brute-Force with Mask, or Brute-Force Attack mode. Use this criterion to choose the one that suits you best and will quickly attain the password.
- With ‘Dictionary Attack,’ you will automatically try out numerous password combinations found in the dictionary. Likewise, you can add a dictionary library of your own via the ‘Settings’ button.
- The ‘Brute-Force with Mask Attack’ mode: use this mode when you can guess and define some characters of the password. These include the minimum/maximum length, special characters, and possible letters of your lost password.
- The ‘Brute-Force Attack’ mode helps you to try all possibilities of password combinations. It will match combinations of characters, letters, symbols, or numbers to attain the correct password.
Step 4. Unlock Word Document
Give the program ample time to recover your password. The length of duration will vary depending on the complexity of your password. Once found, use the password to unlock your protected word file.
Method 2. Unprotect Word Document without Password Using VBA Code
Visual Basic for Application code is another possible way to unprotect a word 2013 document without password. This program cannot run independently hence relies on Office software, enabling you to automate the operations of other office software like MS Word.
However, it is quite ambiguous and needs technical knowledge to help you pull it off. Therefore, it may not work well for you if you are a novice user, requiring unending consultations from the professionals. Let’s see how to incorporate VBA code to unprotect word document.
Step 1. Open a blank document in Word. Click ‘File’ > ‘New’ > ‘Blank Document’ > ‘Create’.
Step 2. Then tap ‘Alt + F11’ to open Microsoft Visual Basic for Application.
Step 3. Next, click ‘Insert’ and choose the ‘Module’ option to enable you to type the needed code.
Step 4. Next, go to the ‘General’ window and type the ‘Module code’ below. Once correctly typed, press ‘F5’.
Step 5. Then select the protected word document and click the ‘Open’ option to load it.
Step 6. Give the processing time until a box pops up with your recovered password. Click the ‘OK’ button to get and use the password to unprotect the word document.
Step 7. To unprotect the word file, navigate the protected word document, and select the ‘Encrypt with Password’ option.
Step 8. Lastly, delete the password on the text box and then click the ‘OK’ button to effect the changes. The password will be removed from the word document. Now, go ahead and open the word document without password.
Method 3. Unprotect Word Document without Password Using Google Docs
Google Docs has much the same functionality as MS Word. Use this online word processor to unprotect your word document without password.
The downside of Google Docs is that you must be connected to the internet during the entire process.
Step 1. First, log in to your ‘Google’ account. You need your account username and password.
Step 2. Then go to ‘https://doc.google.com’ in a web browser to open Google Docs.
Step 3. Next, upload the protected word document. Just click the ‘Upload’ button at the Menu bar.
Step 4. Then import the file by dragging the file to the browser interface. You can also click the ‘select a file from your device’ option to select your file from the location where it is saved on your device. Protection is removed once your word file is uploaded. You can now edit your word document in Google Docs.
Method 4. Unprotect Word Document without Password Online
Another possible way how to unprotect Word document without password is to go online. LostMyPass uses the latest technology to recover the password from your protected word document and enhance direct access. Just ensure your file’s maximum size is 100MB.
However, note that the chances of recovering your lost password are minimal. You stand a chance of 22% for recovery with the Free version. So, if you are not lucky with the first chance, you can opt for the paid service, which gives you a 61% chance of obtaining a password. Follow these steps to unprotect your word document online.
- Head on to the ‘LostMyPass’ website and click the ‘Try It Now’ button.
- Upload your protected word document to the site. You can also click the ‘red’ button to obtain your files from your device.
- The program will start the recovery process.
- Once successful, you’ll receive the document password. Use it to unprotect the word document and continue to edit the document as you wish.
Bonus Tip: How to Unprotect 2013 Word Document with Password
You probably know the password to open your word document. Follow the step-by-step guide below:
Step 1. Begin the procedure by opening your word document with the password. Just key in the password when prompted and click the ‘OK’ button.
Step 2. Next, open the ‘File’ tab and click the ‘Info’ option.
Step 3. Then hit the ‘Protect Document’ and open the ‘Encrypt with Password’ option.
Step 4. Next, the password will appear in the text box. Remove it, then save your file once more.
Conclusion
This article has given you a deep insight on how to unprotect a word document without the password. From using the VBA option to unprotecting your word document with Google Docs, you have numerous options available. Even though some options need head cracking, you can still opt for a smooth way with PassFab for Word. This program offers you three recovery Attack modes, making all efforts to get your password whether you are not able to remember the password combinations. The steps are easy, and it offers a high success rate. Likewise, you don’t need to upload your files online, ensuring tight security for your files.
