How to encrypt a Word document

If you want to protect your privacy while working with sensitive information, encrypt your documents by adding a password.

Even though Microsoft Word has been in development for nearly 40 years, the developers never paid much attention to data security or privacy. But password protecting a Word file isn’t as complicated as it used to be. Here’s how to encrypt your documents with a password.

Securing files with open-source encryption software

You can encrypt your Word document with open-source encryption software. However, most of these free apps are designed for local encryption and don’t support sharing features. This means that if you wanted to send someone your encrypted document, you’d have to give them your password as well.

Not to mention that these apps can sometimes be challenging to use. And without proper customer support, finding the answer you need will take a while.

How to encrypt a Word document with NordLocker

With NordLocker, you can encrypt Word documents in an instant by dropping them into the app. You can store your files locally in encrypted lockers or sync them via an end-to-end encrypted cloud. Create a free account and start with 3 GB of private cloud storage. That’s enough for thousands of Word documents.

Unlike password protecting documents separately, NordLocker can handle all your documents. And you don’t need dozens of passwords for every document – just your master password.

To encrypt a Word document on your computer, follow these steps:

• Log in to the desktop app with your master password.
• Drag and drop files to encrypt them instantly or click on “Add files.”
• Select a document and click “Ok.”

Securing documents on a mobile device is just as easy:

• Open a locker you want to add files to.
• Click on the “+.”
• Select “Upload.”
• Add the files.

While NordLocker on Android and iOS does not offer local storage, any files you add will be uploaded to your private cloud. Once they’re in the app, you can access your files across your device. You can also share your encrypted Word documents with others securely. But keep in mind that the way you share files on personal and NordLocker Business accounts slightly differ.

How to password protect a Word document on macOS

Microsoft Word offers three ways to password protect a document on macOS:

• To open a document.
• To modify a document.
• To restrict formatting and editing.

While the first option prevents your file from being opened, the second and the third were developed for sharing Word documents with other users. If you password protect a Word file and want to send it to other people, you’ll have to give them the password as well.

Here’s how to encrypt a Word document with a password:

• Go to “Review” and select “Protect Document.”
• Select whether you want to set a password to open the document, modify it, or both.
• Click “OK.”

How to encrypt Word documents on Windows

Password protecting a document on a Windows computer is just as easy, but the process is slightly different.

• Go to “File,” then “Info,” and click on “Protect Document” and select “Encrypt with Password.”
• Enter a password.
• Click “OK.”

Keep in mind that Word doesn’t offer any password recovery options — if you forget it, there’s no way to retrieve it. Be sure to store your password in a safe place or create one that you won’t forget no matter what.

Is it safe to password protect your Word file?

Everything depends on your needs. If all you want is to prevent your family members from reading your college essay, then password protecting your documents is fine. However, when we want to protect sensitive information, like company data, invoices, or legal documents, it’s a whole different story.

Not just because you will need to create many passwords and run the risk of forgetting them, but also because unlocking a password protected Word document is not hard. Anyone can find step-by-step guides online that teach a person how to crack Word passwords in a multitude of ways. If you can, use modern encryption apps like NordLocker to secure your documents.

Protect Word documents before uploading them to Google Drive

Since you need a password to access your Google account, Drive does not encrypt your files by itself. However, this means that criminals who guess your password or access your account by other means can see all of your cloud data.

Always encrypt or password protect your Word documents before moving them to Google Drive for an additional layer of security.