How to Decrypt Password-Protected Word File? Quick Hacks!

Rollins Duke
Published: May 27th, 2026 • 6 Min Read

In digital times, many users want to secure their Word document from unauthorized access. They lock Word files with encrypted password that keeps personal & professional information safe. But sometimes, encrypted password-protected Word files create multiple problems. It slows down work performance, delays important submissions that create big problems in companies. In this situation, decrypting password-protected Word file becomes more important. After decrypting Word file, users can access important documents. They can restart editing without unlocking Word files again n again. In this article, users will learn simple yet direct techniques to decrypt password protected Word file in any operating system. So what are you waiting for? Let’s continue with use of quick hacks to decrypt Word document.

Why Decrypt Password-Protected Word File?

Users usually encrypt Microsoft Word document with password because they don’t want any unwanted access to their crucial information that is saved in Word file. This circumstance can be challenging when users want to work together with teammates. Encrypted password fails to grant them immediate access. Users often forget to save encrypted passwords. As a result, they did not even get preview of Word document. There are some other reasons also mentioned below.

Once Word file decrypted they can easily accessed without entering password every time.
Colleagues frequently require access to edit encrypted Word documents when original creator is unavailable.
Decryption Word file also helps users to retrieve valuable business information.
A locked file cannot be accessed & modify easily. Once they decrypted users can effortlessly update.
A decrypted Word document provides quick sharing & collaboration.
Password-locked Word files restrict & stop users from printing, copying, & editing information.
Sometimes, old Word often store crucial information. Users need to decrypt them to get full access of information.
Word decrypted files are easy to transfer into new systems, cloud storage, & drives.

Methods to Decrypt Password-Protected DOC | DOCX Documents

Users can check some methods that help them decrypt password-protected Word documents. Some methods are easy to follow, but some methods take time to decrypt Word document. Follow any method that fits your requirements.

Technique 1: Decrypt Word Doc with Original Password

This method is safest & most reliable method that helps users to decrypt MS Word documents forever. Once users decrypt Word file with original password, then this file does not require password. Just follow these steps to know how to decrypt password-protected MS Word.

Open password-protected, encrypted Word file.
Enter password & access Word file normally.
After that, go to File >> Info >> Protect Document.
You will see option “Encrypt with Password”.
Deleted existing saved password.
Lastly, save Word file.

This method helps users to open Word document without requiring password. It easily stops Word keeps asking for password after decryption. This technique works same in Windows OS & macOS.

Technique 2: VBA Macro to Decrypt Locked Word Files

VBA macros are small scripts that help users to bypass editing restrictions in older versions of Word files.

Open VBA Editor in Microsoft Word.
Paste Macro Code.

Sub OpenProtectedDocument() Dim wdDoc As Document Dim strFilePath As String Dim strPassword As String

‘Define file path and password
strFilePath = “C:\YourFolder\YourDocument.docx”
strPassword = “YourActualPassword”

‘Open the document with the password
Set wdDoc = Documents.Open(FileName:=strFilePath, Password:=strPassword)

‘Document is now decrypted you can open Word file to edit
MsgBox “Document opened successfully!”, vbInformation

‘Perform your operations here

‘Close the document
‘wdDoc.Close SaveChanges:=wdDoNotSaved
End Sub

Run the code.

Hey! Attention: Microsoft Word document encryption is very secure. A VBA Macro helps when you know the password. If you have already forgotten your password, then standard VBA code cannot break Word encryption. Users can choose professional tool that helps users to decrypt password-protected DOCX files.

Technique 3: Rename DOCX Files to ZIP

Nowadays, MS Word saves documents in DOCX format. In this method, users need to rename extension of DOCX file to ZIP. This strategy works in same manner on both Windows OS & macOS. Steps are explained briefly below. Check now-

Right-click on DOCX file & rename in Zip format.
Open & Extract ZIP by using WinRAR tool.
In the folders, you see XML file.
XML saves multiple type protection tags, after that, open XML in Notepad.
Search “enforcement” & change to “1” to “0.”
Once done, change documentprotection from “read-only” to “edit.”
Again, rename files ZIP to DOCX.
Open DOCX file in Word.

Quick Tip: This method works when Word file is locked with light protection. If your file is fully encrypted & you forgot the password, then why can’t we recoverable? Users first need to know about the password protection of Word before using this method. If they are fully encrypted, then they cannot be decrypted by this method. If users forcibly change DOCX to XML, then they show you gibberish content. Check out this screenshot that show you perfectly.

Alternative Tip: Decrypt Password-Protected Word Document

Encryption prevents intentional modifications & deletions in Word doc. However, decrypted Word file is easy to share, transfer, edit, print, etc. Basically, people want to decrypt files to make work & collaboration easy. The above-suggested method helps users to decrypt password-protected Word files. Nevertheless, today’s time-breaking encryption is too tough. Users can convert protected Word document to unprotected one with BitRecover Office Password Removal tool. This application helps users to remove know password from DOC | DOCX files. Users can download this application without worrying about data protection.This application didn’t save users Word data, if users choose this tool remove password. Experience free demo version of this application to learn more about this software.

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Concluding Thoughts,

In digital time, encrypted Word file is secure file that doesn’t allow you to preview it if you don’t know the password. If you decrypt password-protected Word file with saved correct password, then you can easily edit & update document. In this blog, users get to know multiple hacks that help users to decrypt encrypted Word document, but not all hacks work properly because of strong encryption. Users should utilize techniques that genuinely function safely. Secure method preserves original content that is contained in Word file.