How to Encrypt Microsoft Office 2010-2016 Documents (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) in Both Windows and MacOS

How to encrypt documents for storage or for sending sensitive data over email. Section 1 is for encrypting files within Windows OS. Section 2 is for encrypting Microsoft Documents on Mac OS.

Encrypting files within Windows OS:

Step 1: Click the "File" tab -> "Info" -> "Protect Document" -> "Encrypt with Password"

Word2010Encrypt

Step 2: Type in a password and click "OK".

Word2010Password
 

Step 3: Reenter the password and click "OK".

Word2010Encrypt2
 

Step 4: After choosing a password you should see that your document is encrypted.

Word2010Encrypted
 
Important

Encrypt Word files using Microsoft Word in Mac OS X:

  1. With your document open, open up the Review menu.

    Encrypt Word Mac 1

  2. Click on Protect document.

    Encrypt Word Mac 2

  3. Enter your desired passphrase in the Password to open field.
    It is recommended that you choose a strong passphrase.
    Once finished, click OK.

    Encrypt Word Mac 3

  4.  You are now prompted to confirm your passphrase
      by reentering it. Once finished, click OK.

    Encrypt Word Mac 4

  5. Click OK once more to finish the setup. As the file is now encrypted, the passphrase will be required to open it.
 

Keywords:
encryption encrypting microsoft protection office data transfer encrypt lock email secure 
Doc ID:
103890
Owned by:
JoAnna P. in Rice U
Created:
2020-07-10
Updated:
2024-07-22
Sites:
Rice University