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How to Encrypt Documents in Office 2007

Microsoft Office 2007 (Windows only) includes a utility that provides strong encryption of files.

Earlier versions of Office provide encryption but it is weaker and, therefore, not recommended. Encryption is not available for Office for the Macintosh.

To encrypt files using Office 2007 (Windows only)

  1. Click the Office button, and then select Prepare, and then Encrypt Document.
  2. In the Password box, enter a strong password, and then click OK.
  3. In the Reenter password box, retype the password, and then click OK.


Note: Save your files in an Office 2007 format (.docx, .xlsx, etc.) If you save them in an earlier Office format, you will lose the strength of the encryption provided by the Office 2007 utility. You can share files with users of earlier versions of Office as long as they download and install the Microsoft Office compatibility pack. (Office users on the Macintosh will not be able to open encrypted files even with the compatibility pack.)