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Participant
March 17, 2018
Answered

I can't get rid of password security

  • March 17, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 20772 views

I'm trying to get rid of the security password for a pdf. I went into document properties, security, then change settings next to Security Method. From there, I tried to unblock the box for a security password, but when I went to save the changes, it gives me the following message:

To apply security settings, please set either a Permissions Password or a Document Open Password.

To remove password security, first click Cancel in the Password Security Settings dialog, and then in the Document Properties dialog set the Security Method to No Security.

So, I went back to the Security Method, but I cannot change it to NoSecurity. The box is grey and locked on Password Security.

How do I get rid of the security password in this case?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer AnandSri

Hello Jeans,

Sorry for the delayed response and inconvenience caused. If you are the owner of the PDF and have applied the security settings using the password, only you can make changes in the security settings and can change the password from File > Properties after you open the PDF, and click the Security tab in the Properties dialog box to change the security settings. 

But, this cannot be achieved by Adobe Reader.

Note: If you have set the security settings in the PDF, only you can remove/change the password, or else you have to contact the owner to make the changes.

To know more about security settings, you can refer to Protect PDF files with permissions |

Feel free to update this discussion for any further assistance.

Regards,

Anand Sri.

3 replies

AnandSri
Community Manager
AnandSriCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
Community Manager
April 11, 2018

Hello Jeans,

Sorry for the delayed response and inconvenience caused. If you are the owner of the PDF and have applied the security settings using the password, only you can make changes in the security settings and can change the password from File > Properties after you open the PDF, and click the Security tab in the Properties dialog box to change the security settings. 

But, this cannot be achieved by Adobe Reader.

Note: If you have set the security settings in the PDF, only you can remove/change the password, or else you have to contact the owner to make the changes.

To know more about security settings, you can refer to Protect PDF files with permissions |

Feel free to update this discussion for any further assistance.

Regards,

Anand Sri.

Participant
April 11, 2018

I am not the owner of the PDF, and I am using Adobe Acrobat not Adobe Reader.

I was able to remove the security password of a similar file from the same owner before, by changing the Security Method, but this time it is not working.

I had a subscription to Acrobat Pro DC before. Is that what is needed to remove the security password?

try67
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 11, 2018

Yes, you must have Acrobat to be able to do it. You can't use the free (Acrobat) Reader for it.

Bernd Alheit
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 17, 2018

Do you use Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader?

Participant
April 11, 2018

I had Acrobat Pro DC but I recently canceled my subscription. When I open a pdf, it still says Acrobat Pro DC at the top of the window, but I'm pretty sure it is Acrobat DC or just Adobe Acrobat.

Bernd Alheit
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 11, 2018

Can you post a screenshot of the security settings?

Legend
March 17, 2018

To take the password security fully off you must set the security method to None. It's the only way. Not sure why that's grey, unless the document was signed after setting securiy.

debbywebbie
Participating Frequently
October 5, 2022

Thanks I tried selecting 'No Security' and it asks me for a password -- which I never created in the first place!! It's making me crazy, I don't know how to fix this. I uninstalled and reinstalled. 

debbywebbie
Participating Frequently
October 5, 2022

never mind, I resolved it!