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Encrypt Word files using Microsoft Word 2007 or newer
Microsoft Word 2007 (or newer) can encrypt documents. This function does not simply passphrase-protect a file, but it encrypts it using AES encryption. Office 2016 was used for the instructions below. With the older versions the menus might be different.
- With your document open, select the File tab:
- Click Save As, then choose a location to save your document
- Click on Tools, then select General Options… from the drop down menu.
- Enter your desired passphrase in the Password to open field. It is recommended that you choose a strong passphrase. Once finished, click OK.
- You are now prompted to confirm your passphrase by reentering it. Once finished, click OK for both open windows.
- Save your document to finish the setup. As the file is now encrypted, the passphrase will be required to open it.