Password protection is a great way to keep your files safe from unauthorized access. However, at times, it becomes a hurdle, especially when you forget the password or when you receive a password-protected file from someone, and you don’t have the key. In these situations, removing the password protection from the file is essential. In this guide, we will walk you through various methods that can help you remove password protection from files in Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To remove password protection from files in Windows 10, you need a computer or laptop with Windows 10 installed in it. Also, it would help if you had the password-protected file that you wish to remove the password protection from.
What Should I Pay Attention to?
Before we move ahead, let’s keep in mind that these methods work well only if you have the legitimate and authorized access to the file. If you try to remove password protection from someone else’s file without their consent, it’s illegal and unethical.
Method 1: Save the Password-Protected File in Another Format
Pros:
– Does not require any third-party software
– Easy to follow and implement
Cons:
– May not work on some file formats
– Not a guaranteed method
Step 1. Open the password-protected file in the respective application that can open it.
Step 2. Click on the File menu.
Step 3. Click on Save As.
Step 4. You will see the Save As dialog box. Select another file format from the Save As type drop-down list.
Step 5. Save the file with the new format by giving it a new name.
Step 6. Close the password-protected file and open the newly saved file.
Step 7. You may be prompted with a message that the file will lose some of its formatting or features due to the format change. Click on OK.
Step 8. The newly saved file should no longer have password protection.
Method 2: Using Google Chrome’s Print Option
Pros:
– Does not require any third-party software
– Works with most of the file types
Cons:
– May not work on files that have printing restrictions
– May not work on files that have complicated formatting
Step 1. Open the password-protected file in Google Chrome.
Step 2. Click on the three dots from the top right corner of the Chrome window.
Step 3. Click on Print. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac).
Step 4. You will see the Print window. Click on the Change button under the Destination section.
Step 5. From the list of destinations, select Save as PDF.
Step 6. Close the Print window.
Step 7. You will see a Save As dialog box. Save the file with a new name and at a location of your choice.
Step 8. The newly saved file should have no password protection.
Method 3: Using Altap Salamander
Pros:
– Can remove password protection from a wide range of file formats
– User-friendly interface
Cons:
– Needs third-party software
– A paid software
Step 1. Download and install Altap Salamander on your computer.
Step 2. Open Altap Salamander.
Step 3. Navigate to the password-protected file.
Step 4. Right-click on the file and choose Open With…
Step 5. From the list of options, choose WinRAR.
Step 6. The password-protected file will now open in WinRAR.
Step 7. Press Ctrl + A to select all the files.
Step 8. Click on the Extract To button.
Step 9. Select a location to save the files.
Step 10. In the Extract To options, make sure the "Keep broken files" checkbox is unchecked.
Step 11. Click on OK.
Step 12. Wait for the process to finish. The password protection from the files should now be removed.
Method 4: Using Passper for PDF
Pros:
– A guaranteed method
– Can remove password protection from PDF files
Cons:
– Paid software
– Works only with PDF files
Step 1. Download and install Passper for PDF on your computer.
Step 2. Open Passper for PDF.
Step 3. Click on Remove Restrictions.
Step 4. Click on the Add button and choose the password-protected PDF file.
Step 5. Click on Remove.
Step 6. Wait for the process to finish. The password protection from the PDF file should now be removed.
Why Can’t I Remove Password Protection from My File?
There could be several reasons why you can’t remove password protection from your file. Here are a few of them along with their fixes:
1. You don’t have authorized access to the file.
– If you don’t have the authorized access to the file, you can’t remove its password protection without breaking the law. Make sure you have access to the file and the password before proceeding.
2. The file is corrupted.
– If the file is corrupted, you won’t be able to remove its password protection. Check if the file is corrupt, and if yes, try to repair it before proceeding.
3. The file has printing or editing restrictions.
– If the file has printing or editing restrictions, you won’t be able to remove its password protection using the methods mentioned above. Instead, try to contact the owner of the file and request them to remove the restrictions.
Suggestions
– Always make sure you have authorized access to the file before removing its password protection.
– Before using any of the methods mentioned above, try to repair the file if it’s corrupted.
– If none of the methods work, try contacting the owner of the file and request them to provide you with the password or remove the restrictions.
FAQs
Q. Can I remove password protection from Excel files using any of these methods?
A. Yes, you can remove password protection from Excel files using the first method mentioned in this guide.
Q. Are these methods safe?
A. Yes, these methods are safe as long as you have authorized access to the file. However, if you try to remove password protection from someone else’s file without their consent, it’s illegal and unethical.
Q. What should I do if none of these methods work?
A. If none of the methods mentioned above work, try to contact the owner of the file and request them to provide you with the password or remove the restrictions.
Q. Can I use Passper for PDF to remove password protection from multiple files at once?
A. Yes, Passper for PDF allows you to remove password protection from multiple PDF files at once.
Q. How do I repair a corrupted file?
A. There are several tools available online that can help you repair corrupted files. Alternatively, you can try to contact the owner of the file and request a non-corrupted version of the file.
Conclusion
Password protection is a great way to keep your files safe from unauthorized access. However, at times, it becomes a hurdle, especially when you forget the password or when you receive a password-protected file from someone, and you don’t have the key. In this guide, we discussed various methods that can help you remove password protection from files in Windows 10. Always make sure you have authorized access to the file before removing its password protection, and try to repair the file if it’s corrupted. If none of the methods work, try to contact the owner of the file and request them to provide you with the password or remove the restrictions.