Protect Word file with password - how it works

If you want to protect a Word file from unauthorized access, you can assign a password to it. We'll show you how it's done.

Office 2013 and 2010: encrypt Word file with password

Depending on the version of Office, the password setting may differ slightly from this description. If you are using an older version of Office, read on in the second paragraph.

1. Open the Word document that you want to protect with a password.
2. Click on "File" at the top left of the screen.
3. Under the "Information" menu item you will now find the "Protect document" button.
4. Click on this and select the item "Encrypt with password".
5. Now enter a password and click "OK". You must now repeat this step again.
6. If you save and close the file, you must enter the password the next time you open it.

Office 2007 and 2003: Protect Word file with password

• Office 2007: Click on the Office button at the top left of the screen and select the "Encrypt document" option under "Prepare". Enter your password twice and click on the "OK" button.
• Office 2003: Click on "Tools" in the menu bar at the top and select the "Protect document" item in the middle of the list. Now you can also set your password here.

This practical tip was carried out under Office 2013. In this practical tip, you can read how to protect all files and folders with a password.