Forgot Word document password? It happens to most of the users. You enter the password and Word shows it incorrect. You try again and the same result.

Here is the hard part. Word locks any file that needs a password to open. It makes impossible for anyone else to open it without the correct password including the owner. This blog explains what should be your first step as well as every possible method to try on Windows and Mac if you have forgotten Word file password. It also covers steps to prevent this issue in the future. One of the described ways in this blog may help you if you have forgotten Word document password.

Table of Contents Hide
      1. Follow Pre-Checklist
      2. Try Manual Methods
      3. Use a Professional Solution
      4. Mistakes to Avoid
      5. Preventive Steps
      6. Conclusion
      7. FAQs

Also Read: How to Unlock Word Document Without Password?

Forgot Word File Password? Check These Things First

Checking these important things before you try any method can save your valuable time in forgot Word document password case.

  • Word has two types of passwords. One is that unlocks your Word document and the other one is that lets you edit the document. So make sure you are using the right one.
  • Search for other copies in old emails, USB drives and cloud folders. You may find an unprotected backup copy.
  • Copy the locked Word file before you try any method. This step keeps your original file safe.
  • Try to remember when you set the password as that date helps you find the right older version.

Manual Ways to Try When You Forgot Word Document Password

When a user sets a password on a Word document then Word encrypts its data with strong encryption, such as AES-128 or AES-256. When the data is encrypted no quick method exists. You still have a few real options if you forgot Word document password and need the file as soon as possible.

1. Build a Custom List of Common Passwords

Most users who forgot Word document password cases still have clues in their memory. A written list stops you from repeating the same guess.

  • Make a note of all words, phrases, dates, names and symbols you use often.
  • Combine them into likely variations such as Password2026!, 2026Password!, or P@ssword2026 etc.
  • Type each one into locked Word document and remove once you attempt.

2. Check Previous Versions or AutoRecover Files

This method does not require the password and it brings back an older copy that Windows or Mac saved before you added it. It definitely is the one to try if you added the password recently

  • For Windows Users: Right click the file then choose Properties and open the Previous Versions tab. Pick a copy from before you added password and click Restore. This will work only if File History or a restore point was turned on.
  • For Mac Users: Open the folder then start Time Machine and go back to a date before the password after that restore the copy.
  • AutoRecover Folder: Word saves draft copies mostly when the application is closed unexpectedly. So a copy from before the password may not exist. On Windows search %userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\ for files that end in .asd.

3. Check Cloud Version History

OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive and Dropbox keep older versions of your files for a limited time. If you forget Word document password, it’s easier if you synced the file to one of them before you added the password.

  • Sign in to your cloud account on the web for example onedrive.live.com.
  • Right click the file and choose Version History. For Google Drive it’s Manage Versions.
  • Find the version saved just before adding the password then click Restore or Download.

Limitations of Using Manual Ways

  • Restore methods do not work in a forgot Word document password case when there is no older copy available.
  • Manual password guessing takes so much time and each try tests only one password.
  • If you set a long password it is almost impossible to guess it using random characters and symbols.

Use a Professional Tool When Manual Steps Fail

If you forgot Word document password and could not find any older copy then it’s time to use a professional dedicated tool. The SysTools MS Word Password Recovery Tool finds the password for you without any data loss and it works with DOC and DOCX files on Windows and Mac.