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How to Unlock and Print a Password-Secured PDF File
Question details
The user needs to find a way to unlock and print a PDF document that currently restricts printing.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document but finding the print option disabled or restricted by security settings.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF file cannot be printed or unlocked because printing restrictions are protected by a password, often indicated by the word 'SECURED' in the title bar.
Look at the title bar of your PDF document to verify if it says 'SECURED'. To proceed with printing, you will need to obtain the original permissions password from the document owner.
Remove Printing Restrictions with the Document Password
Use the permissions password provided by the document owner to unlock the file and enable printing.
When a PDF file is marked as secured, it means the creator has intentionally applied a permissions password to restrict certain features, such as editing or printing, to protect the content. There is no legitimate software workaround to bypass this security without the correct password.
Contact the creator, sender, or owner of the PDF document and request the permissions password required to unlock printing privileges.
Launch your PDF reader (such as WPS PDF) and open the secured document. You should see 'SECURED' in the title bar.
Navigate to the document's security or protection settings (often found under 'Protect' > 'Encrypt' or 'Security Properties'). Choose to remove security and enter the password when prompted.
Once the restrictions are lifted, go to 'File' > 'Print' or press Ctrl+P on your keyboard to open the print dialog and print the file normally.
Manage, Unlock, and Print PDFs with WPS Office
WPS Office features a powerful built-in PDF tool that makes it incredibly easy to open secured documents, enter permission passwords, and print your files. It offers a seamless reading and editing experience tailored for all your document needs.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open', and select your secured PDF file.
- 2. Input the Password: If the document is protected, navigate to the 'Protect' tab, select 'Encrypt', and enter the permissions password to unlock printing.
- 3. Access the Print Menu: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner and select 'Print', or use the Ctrl+P shortcut.
- 4. Configure and Print: Adjust your preferred printer settings, select the pages you need, and click the 'Print' button to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF say 'SECURED' at the top?
The 'SECURED' label in the title bar indicates that the author has applied password protection to the file. This restricts certain actions such as editing, copying text, or printing.
Can I print a secured PDF without the password?
No. If a permissions password has been set to specifically block printing, there is no legitimate way to print the document without first entering the correct password to remove the restriction.
What is the difference between an open password and a permissions password?
An open password (or document open password) is required just to view the file. A permissions password (or master password) allows you to change security settings and bypass restrictions on printing and editing.
How do I permanently remove the password from my PDF?
To permanently remove the password, open the PDF and enter the password. Then go to the document's security settings (usually under 'Protect' or 'Properties'), select the option to remove security, and save the document.
