“I recently locked a Word file for editing, and now I can’t remember the password; how can I unlock this Word document?” Let me show you how.
![How to Unlock a Word Document That is Locked for Editing](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Unlock-a-Word-Document-That-is-Locked-for-Editing.png)
How to unlock a Word document for editing
In this guide, I’ll show you three easy methods to unlock a Word document locked for editing.
Tip: You can also use the methods below to learn how to edit a locked Word document.
Let’s dive in.
Method 1: Open and Save the Read-Only Word Document as another File
When you open a Word document locked for editing, you receive the prompt, “This document is locked for editing.” Read-Only is always the best option if you have forgotten to change your password.
Then, how do you make it unlock for editing in Read-Only mode? You can only save a Read-Only version of a Word document as a separate file.
Here’s how to unlock a read-only Word document.
1. Open a Word document you want to unlock.
2. On the “Open as read-only” pop-up, click No.
![Click No, on the "Open as read-only" pop-up](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Click-No-on-Read-Only-dialog-box.png)
3. Navigate to File > Info.
![Navigate to File > Info](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Navigate-to-File-Info.png)
4. Click the “Protect Document” drop-down arrow and select “Always Open Read-Only” to disable it.
![Click the "Protect Document" drop-down arrow and select "Always Open Read-Only" to disable it](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Click-Protect-Document-drop-down-arrow.png)
5. Now, you’ll see the read-only warning has disappeared.
![Read-Only warning has disappeared](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Read-Only-warning-disappeared.png)
6. Then, select Save a Copy from the left pane menu.
![Select Save a Copy from the left pane menu](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Select-Save-a-Copy.png)
7. In the “Save a Copy” window, you must change the File name and select Save.
![Change the File name and select Save](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Change-the-File-name-and-select-Save.png)
8. A dialog box will appear, click the “Got it” button to confirm and save your changes.
![Click the "Got it" button to confirm and save your changes](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Confirm-and-Save-your-changes.png)
9. You can now open the saved Word file and edit the content as you wish.
Method 2: Use WordPad to Open the Locked Word Document and Save the Changes
You can use this method to open and edit a locked Word document, regardless of whether it is password protected or has an editing restriction.
Note: If you want to know how to unlock a Word document without a password, follow the steps.
1. Right-click on the locked Word document. Click Open with > choose another app > More apps.
![Right-click, and click Open with > choose another app > More apps](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Right-click-on-the-locked-Word-document.png)
2. Select WordPad from the menu and click OK.
![Select WordPad from the pop-up menu and click OK](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Select-WordPad-and-click-OK.png)
3. The Word document is now unlocked. You are free to edit it in any way you see fit.
4. Click the Save icon from the top left. A dialog box will appear with a warning saying, “Some content might be missing.” You have the option to Save or Save a copy. Then you can read and edit the original content.
![Click the Save icon, and choose Save or Save a copy](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Click-the-Save-icon.png)
Tip: On your keyboard, press Ctrl + S to save the document. If you choose to Save a copy, you can save the current file with a new name and format.
Method 3: One Click to Unlock the Word Document Marked As Final
A Word document marked as final indicates that its editing is complete and its typing, editing, and proofing marks are disabled.
If, after opening the restricted Word document, a yellow warning appears under the ribbon area, as shown in the image below.
![Word Document Marked As Final](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Word-Document-Marked-As-Final.png)
In two steps, you can unlock the Word document marked as final. Here’s how.
1. Select the “Edit Anyway” button.
![Select "Edit Anyway" to unlock the Word document marked as final](https://www.techlogicalinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Select-Edit-Anyway.png)
2. On your keyboard, press Ctrl + S to save the changes.