PDF Security & Access Issues

How to Fix an Acrobat Encryption Dialog Box That Is Too Large

Algirdas JasaitisAlgirdas Jasaitis Oct 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to complete PDF security settings because the encryption dialog box in Acrobat DC is too large for the screen, hiding the bottom controls.

How to Fix an Acrobat Encryption Dialog Box That Is Too Large
Product
Adobe Acrobat DC
Device & OS
Windows 10
Scenario
Attempting to encrypt a PDF document using Encrypt with Password or Encrypt with Certificate.
Observed behavior
The encryption dialog box extends beyond the edges of the Windows 10 screen, obscuring the bottom controls like the OK or Apply buttons, and preventing the user from finalizing the settings.
Before you start

Before troubleshooting display settings, try pressing the 'Enter' key on your keyboard after filling in your encryption details, as this will often trigger the hidden 'OK' button and apply your settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust Windows Display Scaling and Resolution

Lowering your display scaling or increasing resolution can help fit the oversized Acrobat dialog box onto your screen.

Windows 10 includes built-in display scaling to make text and apps easier to read, but setting it too high on smaller screens can cause large application windows to overflow the screen boundaries.

1
Open Display Settings

Right-click on an empty space on your Windows 10 desktop and select 'Display settings' from the context menu.

2
Adjust Scaling

Scroll down to the 'Scale and layout' section and change the size of text, apps, and other items to '100% (Recommended)' if it is currently set higher.

3
Adjust Resolution (Optional)

If the scaling is already at 100%, look at the 'Display resolution' dropdown and select a higher resolution to provide more screen real estate.

4
Restart Acrobat

Close and reopen Adobe Acrobat DC, then access the encryption dialog box again to see if the bottom controls are now visible.

Adjust Windows Display Scaling and Resolution
System-wide Changes: Keep in mind that changing your scaling and resolution will affect the size of all applications and text on your computer, not just Adobe Acrobat.
Seamless PDF Encryption

Easily Encrypt PDF Documents Using WPS Office

Avoid interface scaling bugs and secure your PDF files effortlessly with WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible and user-friendly built-in PDF editor that adapts perfectly to any screen size.

  1. 1. Open the Document: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you want to secure.
  2. 2. Access the Protect Tab: Navigate to the 'Protect' tab on the top ribbon menu.
  3. 3. Encrypt the PDF: Click on 'Encrypt' to open the security settings dialog.
  4. 4. Set Passwords: Check 'Set Open Password' or 'Set Edit Password', type your desired password, and click 'Confirm' to apply the encryption.
Native, intuitive support for PDF password and permission encryptionFully compatible with Adobe PDF and Microsoft Office formats for seamless sharingLightweight interface optimized for all Windows screen sizes without scaling issuesComprehensive PDF toolkit including format conversion, merging, and editing
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Acrobat dialog box too large for my screen?

This typically occurs on laptops or smaller monitors when Windows display scaling is set to 125% or 150%. The interface elements become magnified and exceed the physical boundaries of the screen.

How do I click OK if I can't see the bottom of the dialog box?

In most Windows applications, including Adobe Acrobat, you can simply press the 'Enter' key on your keyboard after filling out the necessary text fields to simulate clicking the default action button, which is usually 'OK' or 'Apply'.

Does WPS Office have a built-in PDF encryption feature?

Yes, WPS Office includes a robust built-in PDF editor that allows you to easily set both document open passwords and permission passwords to secure your PDFs against unauthorized viewing or editing.

Will changing my Windows screen resolution affect other apps?

Yes, altering your Windows display scaling or screen resolution will change the appearance and size of all applications, text, and icons across your entire desktop environment.