How to unlock a protected Word document
Updated 3 June 2026
If a Word document is stuck in read-only mode, or shows “This modification is not allowed because the selection is locked,” it almost certainly has editing protection — a flag you can remove without the password.
What’s actually locking it
A .docx file is a ZIP of XML. Two settings can make it read-only, both stored in word/settings.xml:
- Document protection (
<w:documentProtection>) — the “Restrict Editing” lock that limits formatting, forces tracked changes, or makes the file read-only. - Write protection (
<w:writeProtection>) — the “password to modify” that opens the document read-only unless you have it.
Neither encrypts the document — they’re flags Word honours by choice. Remove them and editing is restored.
How to remove it
- Open the Word unlocker.
- Drop your
.docxin — everything runs in your browser, nothing is uploaded. - Download the unlocked document. Text, styles and layout are unchanged.
When it’s actually encrypted
If Word asks for a password to open the document (not just to edit), it’s encrypted with AES — a removable flag won’t help.
- If you know the password, open it and clear it under File → Info → Protect Document → Encrypt with Password.
- If it’s forgotten, request recovery — we’ll tell you if it’s recoverable and the price, and you only pay on success.
Legal note
Use this only on documents you own or are authorised to edit.