"Unable to open word document says it is not unlocked. how do I unlock a Word document? I misplaced my Microsoft Word password, I want to have an access to few of my sensitive documents. So please if there is any solution to fix this issue please let me know!"
Do you know MS Word is used by almost 90% users? People used it to save personal or office data, you can also save your sensitive data in it and encrypt with a password. But the problem arises when someone forgot Word password. And this happened almost to 50% people because of work pressure. If you are also one of those who would like to learn how to unlock Word document, then this article is for you.
- Part 1. How to Unlock Word Document without Password
- Part 2. How to Unlock Microsoft Word with Password
- Part 3. How to Unlock A Word Document for Editing on macOS
Part 1. How to Unlock Word Document without Password
Are you eager to know about the most professional ways to unlock encrypted Word document with software or without third-party tool? If yes, then the below solutions may help with you.
Option 1. How to Unlock Microsoft Word Document That is Locked via Software
If you have no idea about the password, you might we well recovering and then unlocking it by using a program. PassFab for Word is used worldwide by its performance and efficiency. Best part of this tool is that it supports lots of Windows operating systems, various Word versions (Word 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, etc) and support both .doc and .docx Word file types. Just few simple steps can easily recover your file password, even a kindergarten student can unlock it if follow the steps wisely.
Step 1: First of all, download and install this powerful Word password unlock tool, then launch and open it.
Step 2: After opening, you will be able to see its main menu, choose "Add" button to upload your locked Word file.
Step 3: Now you will be able to see 3 attack types and settings that help in saving your time and make the unlocking process easy.
- Dictionary Attack: If you choose this option it will try all combinations of passwords from built-in dictionary.
- Brute-force with Mask Attack: This option is for those who want to set password maximum or minimum length, symbols, letters etc. In short, for more customization, this option can be choose.
- Brute-force Attack: This one is the last option but will take long time because it will try all possible combinations.
Step 4. After choosing one of the options, now you have to click the blue "Start" button and just wait.
Step 5. According to your password complexity, it takes minutes to hours. Finally, your password has been recovered you can use it to unlock Word file.
Still not sure what to do? Don't worry. Here is a helpful video tutorial about how to unlock Microsoft word document that is locked:
Option 2. How to Unlock Microsoft Word Document with VBA Code
How do you unlock a Word document? Well, VBA (Microsoft Visual Basic Applications) code is a little difficult to understand but there're still someone who are trying to use. If you guys hope to learn how to unlock Word file by using VBA code, then follow the below steps.
Step 1: Open that locked Word document, click "Cancel". Press "Alt + F11" and then it will open Microsoft Visual Basic applications. Choose "Insert" and select "Module".
Step 2: Now you need to type the folowing code on module:
Sub test()
Dim i As Long
i = 0
Dim FileName As String
Application.FileDialog(msoFileDialogOpen).Show
FileName = Application.FileDialog(msoFileDialogOpen).SelectedItems(1)
ScreenUpdating = False
Line2: On Error GoTo Line1
Documents.Open FileName, , True, , i & ""
MsgBox "Password is " & i
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Exit Sub
Line1: i = i + 1
Resume Line2
ScreenUpdating = True
End Sub
Step 3: After typing code, press "F5" to run. Then choose protected Word file. Then click "Open" on the File Explorer.
Now file is open but keep in mind that its Read-only mode is opened. If you want to edit it you can take password from small box, after taking password you can unlock the Word file and can edit your data.
Part 2. How to Unlock Microsoft Word with Password
This method is for the MS Word users who know the correct password and prepare to unlock it with password. We all know very well that our sensitive information remains 100% secures because of password. But if you no longer need the protection then follow below guide to unlock Word file with password.
Guide to Unlock MS Word 2007 and below with password:
First you need to open Word. Go to Office button > Choose "Save As" > Go to "Tool" button > choose "General Options" > choose "Password to open". After choosing that option you will be able to enter the password and can unlock file.
Guide to Unlock MS Word 2010 and above with password:
First you need to Open a MS Word. Now you need to go to "File button". Then choose "Protect Document". Here you can see "Encrypt with Password".
Just click it and enter the password to unlock file. Choose "OK". Finally your Word file has been unlocked.
Part 3. How to Unlock A Word Document for Editing on macOS
The quickest and easiest way on how to unlock a password-protected Word document for MacOS is to follow below steps.
Step 1. Open the Word file and then click "Word" > "Preferences" in the top left corner.
Step 2. You will see the "Word Preferences" window. Choose "Security" and click "OK" button.
Step 3. In the "Security" screen, remove the password to open and click on "OK". Finally it's done and document is unlocked.
Summary
We have covered how to unlock MS word with or without password. The best method to solve unlocking problem is PassFab for Word. This Word password unlocker always our first priority because it is rated and recommended by thousands of users and experts. Secondly, your file type remains secure while unlocking. So yeah we would definitely suggest this to all of you because of its 100% performance. If you guys have something to share then do comment in the comment section below and share your thoughts with us. Stay tuned for more.