Forgot PDF Password? Step By Step Quick Fixes Described in the Guide

Summary: This write-up is dedicated to users who forgot PDF passwords and are unable to access them. Since PDF is a universal format used for documentation purposes, hence, forgetting them can lead to important data access blockage. Hence to fix this issue we have described a few ways in this guide to regain access to password-protected PDFs. So, without any further, let’s get into this.

While dealing with PDF files, you must have encountered a situation where you urgently needed to access a PDF file and you realized that you forgot your PDF password. This is a common issue that users face in their daily lives. This can be frustrating, inconvenient and eventually, it can waste significant time and can ruin your day.

Thankfully there are a few ways that can be used to regain access to forgotten PDF password files. But before getting into the solution, it is important to understand the types of PDF passwords. Let’s discuss this in the coming section.

Different Types of Passwords in PDF Files

You must be familiar with the PDF passwords, some need a password to open the documents and some need a password to print and edit the PDF file. Long story short, there are two different types of PDF passwords.

1. Document Access Passwords (AKA User Passwords)

If your PDF has a document access password implemented then you need to provide the same for opening and viewing the PDF document. Without the password, you can not open or view the PDF file.

2. Permission Passwords (AKA Owner Passwords)

If there is a permission password implemented in your PDF file then you can open and view the PDF file, however, you still need to input the password if you want to edit, print, or copy the content of the PDF file.

Different Ways to Regain Access to Forgotten PDF Password Files

Now let’s discuss a few ways that can help you recover the forgotten PDF passwords step by step.

#1 Try Different Password Combinations

The first method is to try the different password combinations, if you are the owner of the PDF then you can try the different passwords that you usually set for other accounts. Since the PDF files do not have a limit for trying the different passwords. There are high chance that you come across a password that can open the PDF file.

#2 Connect with PDF Owner

If you are not the PDF owner then you can contact the real owner of the PDF file so that you can get the right credentials to have access to view, open, and edit or print the PDF.

#3 Recover PDF Password Using Online Solutions

There are a few solutions available online that can be of great use. You just need to Add your password-protected PDFs. The tool will try to recover the password. If it’s weak, then you can get it for one PDF free. For strong passwords, you might buy a recovery service.

Once you get the correct password for the PDF file. Then it is a better idea to unlock PDF files for daily access and avoid dealing with repeated PDF password recovery. By doing this, you can also leverage many benefits such as ease of access, simplifying daily tasks, and enhancing cooperative efforts.

Furthermore, It also allows users to modify the content of PDF files and print them without any restrictions. There are a few ways to remove passwords securely. Let’s discuss this in the coming sections.

Quick Way to Remove PDF Passwords for Streamline Daily Use

When it comes to unlocking PDF files then the SysTools PDF Unlocker stands out as the most preferred choice. It is because of its user-friendly interface and efficient functionality. The software is capable of handling various PDF restrictions, including password protection. It also ensures quick and streamlined access to PDF content.

Noteworthy features include batch processing, which allows users to unlock multiple PDF files simultaneously. Additionally, it ensures document security and integrity during the entire process.

Software Working Guide

Step 1. Download and open the tool on your PC to access the main screen.

Step 2. Click Add File(s) or Add Folder to insert secured PDFs; remove unwanted files if needed.

Step 3. Check File Size and Permissions; enter passwords in the designated text box.

Step 4. Choose Save or Print Option; to save unlocked PDFs or Print to print directly.

Note: Check the Keep Source PDF Password in the Output PDF option to retain the original password.

Step 5. Select Destination Location; If saving, click Change to pick the destination for the unlocked PDF files.

Step 6. Click Unlock to start removing PDF restrictions.

Some of the Smart Features of the Software

• Effortlessly remove print, copy, edit, and page extraction restrictions from PDFs.
• Unlock PDFs with user-level and owner-level password protection.
• Remove passwords in batches using the convenient Add File(s) / Add Folder option.
• Operate independently of Adobe Acrobat for seamless password removal.
• Unlock comment, document assembly, and signature restrictions, enabling form filling.
• Comes with a Dedicated Mac version for password removal on macOS.
• Additionally, you can also use SysTools PDF Lock Tool to add restrictions as needed.
• Compatible with all Windows versions (32 & 64 bit) for widespread usability.

Apart from the automated solution, there are some manual methods too.

Using the Google Chrome

• Step 1. Open the Google Chrome browser on your PC.
• Step 2. Navigate and open the permission-password encrypted PDF file.
• Step 3. Apply the permission password when prompted.
• Step 4. Press `Ctrl + P` to open the printing menu.
• Step 5. Click on the “Destination” button, then choose “Save as PDF.”
• Step 6. Click “Save” to save the PDF without password protection.
• Step 7. Confirm the newly saved PDF no longer requires a password.
• Step 8. You can close the printing menu without printing the document.

Using Microsoft Word & Saving As a New File:

Before initiating the process make sure you have Microsoft Word installed on your system.

• Step 1. Open the password-protected PDF with Microsoft Word.
• Step 2. Ensure to open the PDF in “Read Only” mode. This allows you to view the content without altering the original file.
• Step 3. Navigate to the menu in Microsoft Word and choose the “Save As” option. This will enable you to save the PDF as a new file.
• Step 4. Give the new file a different name, and make sure it is different from the original. This step is critical for creating a PDF without the permission password.
• Step 5. Hit the “Save” button to confirm the changes and save the new file without the permission password.

Bringing It All Together

If you have ever forgotten your PDF password, then it must be inconvenient and frustrating for you. But do not worry some solutions exist and are mentioned in the above write-up. However, these solutions might not always work. Hence, it is always recommended to remove the PDF password for several reasons as discussed above. Renaming, or using Google might work to remove passwords but a reliable tool is a more prominent way for this task. Hence, you can rely on the above professional tool.