Fix Encrypt with Password Missing in Acrobat Pro DC
Question details
The user is unable to find the 'Encrypt with Password' option when attempting to secure a PDF document.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to restrict document access by applying a standard password security to a PDF file.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Encrypt with Password' option is missing from the security menu, leaving only 'Encrypt with Certificate' available.
Verify whether your computer is managed by an organization, as enterprise IT policies or regulatory compliance settings (like FIPS mode) often restrict standard password-based encryption methods.
Check and Disable FIPS Mode Constraints
If FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) mode is enabled on your system or network, Acrobat disables standard password-based encryption. Disabling this restriction restores the option.
FIPS mode forces applications to use only government-approved cryptographic algorithms. Because standard PDF password encryption does not always meet these strict criteria, Acrobat Pro DC automatically hides the password option to maintain compliance.
If you are on a company computer, contact your system administrator to verify if FIPS mode is strictly enforced by a group policy.
If you have administrative rights on Windows, press Win + R, type 'secpol.msc', and hit Enter to open the Local Security Policy window.
Expand 'Local Policies' and click on 'Security Options' in the left pane.
Locate 'System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing', double-click it, set it to 'Disabled', and click 'Apply'.
Close and reopen Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to check if 'Encrypt with Password' is now visible.
Access Security Settings via Document Properties
Sometimes the security shortcut is missing from the right-hand pane, but the encryption settings are still accessible through the main file properties menu.
Easily Encrypt PDFs with a Password in WPS Office
If complex enterprise configurations in other software prevent you from securing your documents, WPS Office offers a straightforward, built-in PDF encryption tool to password-protect your files quickly and reliably.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you want to secure.
- 2. Navigate to the Protect tab: Click on the 'Protect' tab located in the top ribbon menu to access security tools.
- 3. Select Encrypt: Click the 'Encrypt' button. A configuration dialog will appear, allowing you to establish a password for opening the document or restricting editing.
- 4. Set your password and confirm: Enter your desired secure password, confirm it in the secondary box, and save the document to apply the encryption successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FIPS mode and why does it hide my password options?
FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) mode restricts software to use only cryptographic algorithms approved by the US government. Because standard PDF password encryption methods may not meet these exact standards, Acrobat disables the 'Encrypt with Password' feature when FIPS mode is active.
Where else can I find PDF security settings in Adobe Acrobat?
If the quick tool shortcut is missing, you can always check the main security menu by navigating to File > Properties, and then selecting the Security tab. From there, you can view the 'Security Method' dropdown.
Can I password-protect a PDF without Acrobat Pro DC?
Yes, you can use alternative PDF applications like WPS Office. WPS Office features a dedicated 'Protect' tab that allows you to easily set document open passwords and permission passwords for free.
Are password-protected PDFs completely secure?
While password protection safely restricts unauthorized access from typical users, simple passwords can be vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Always use strong, complex passwords and stay informed about known PDF security best practices.
