Password Protect a PDF — or Remove the Password

Encrypting a PDF on a website means uploading the confidential document and then typing its new password into the same web form. VerusPDF does it on your machine, which is the only arrangement that makes sense for a file worth protecting in the first place.

You can set an open password, which is required to view the document at all, and choose AES-128 or AES-256. AES-256 is the sensible default on any modern reader; AES-128 exists for compatibility with older software that will not open the stronger variant.

Removing protection works the same way, in reverse, and requires the password. To be unambiguous: this decrypts documents you can already open. It does not recover, guess or bypass a password you do not have, and it is not a cracking tool.

How to password protect a PDF in VerusPDF

1. Open the PDF.
2. Choose Encrypt, then set the open password and pick AES-128 or AES-256.
3. Save the protected copy.
4. To remove protection, open the file with its password and choose Decrypt.

Common questions

Can VerusPDF open a PDF if I have lost the password?

No. Removing protection requires the correct password. VerusPDF does not attempt to recover, guess or bypass passwords.

Should I choose AES-128 or AES-256?

AES-256 unless you need to support an old reader that cannot open it. Both are supported; AES-256 is the stronger option and is widely readable on current software.