# Why Cannot Open Password Protected PDF File? 5 Easy Fixes
Picture this: facing the issue of cannot open password protected PDF certainly limits you from accessing the document. PDFs with sensitive information are typically secured with strong encryption or security to ensure data privacy. Sometimes these protections unable users from opening or accessing the document. Fortunately, reading this guide will help you to understand the common reason and simple fixes to try when facing this pesky error. Now, let’s begin the discussion.

# Why Cannot Open Password Protected PDF Document?

There are various reasons behind the can’t open password protected PDF. It prevents users from updating or reviewing the information. Here are the common causes for the issue of can’t open encrypted PDF on your PC:

* **Lost Correct Password:** If you’re struggling to open a secured PDF, it mainly happens when using the incorrect password. Moreover, you need a correct passkey to access the document for different needs.

* **Corrupted or Damaged PDF:** Sometimes improper downloading of PDFs leads to file corruption or damage. It prevents you from opening or viewing the document even using the correct passkey.

* **Advanced PDF Security:** Some PDFs have multiple protections including password or owner restrictions. These layers of security unable users from accessing, printing, editing, and copying the document.

Overall, these are the common reasons for unable to open password protected PDF file. Now, you must be seeking troubleshooting ways to view or access the secured PDF without any kind of data loss or compromise. So, let’s move to the quick fixes.

# 5 Easy Fixes for Cannot Open Password Protected PDF

If you’re burdened with the issue of can’t open password protected PDF, follow the below troubleshooting workaround to resolve this error. Using these fixes, you can easily open and view the information in the document. Here are the basic to advanced-level fixes for can’t open encrypted PDF files:

**1. Enter Known Open Document Password
2. Update Your Operating System
3. Try Online PDF Password Unlocking Tools
4. Adobe Acrobat Tool for Opening Secured PDF
5. Use SysTools [Strongly Encrypted PDF Password Remover](https://www.systoolsgroup.com/updates/remove-encryption-from-pdf/)**

Now, let’s dive to learn these effective fixes one after another.

# Tip 1: Use Known Open Document Password

The issue of cannot open password protected PDF mainly occurs when trying the wrong passkey to access the secured document. Most importantly, it is unethical or legal to bypass PDF security via an incorrect password. Instead, enter the correct passkey given by the document creator. It allows you to access or get control over the protected PDF file.

Additionally, it is a simple yet effective fixes for opening the document using the known open password. In this way, you can manage the PDF without loss of data or information.

# Tip 2: Update Your Operating System

Sometimes working on an outdated version of your operating system brings issues like can’t open password protected PDF. To avoid these errors, it is essential to regularly update your Windows or Mac OS to access the secured PDF with ease. Additionally, we suggest you uninstall all the problematic and conflicting applications from your computer. Often these software interfere with the working of protected PDFs, preventing you from opening the document.

# Tip 3: Try Online PDF Password Unlocking Tools

When facing the issue of unable to open password protected PDF file, try online PDF unlocking tools like PDF2go, Soda PDF, etc. These online services allow you to [remove PDF restrictions](https://www.systoolsgroup.com/how-to/remove-pdf-document-restrictions-latest-methods/) with no data loss. Moreover, these tools are freeware solutions that come with sleek and user-centric interfaces, allowing you to unlock the security and open the PDF effortlessly.

With this, users don’t need to enter the password multiple times. Here are a few steps to remove PDF limitations when experiencing the issue of cannot open encrypted PDF:

1. Open online PDF unlocking tools on your PC.
1. Go to **Choose Files** to add the secured document.
1. Enter the known password in the checkbox > **Unlock**.

> **Remember:** Online PDF password unlocking tools contain the potential risk of data loss or breach. These services don’t adhere to the security and privacy standards, keeping a copy of your sensitive data. Therefore, we recommend you not to rely on these tools for removing the PDF password when facing the error of cannot open password protected PDF.

# Tip 4: Adobe Acrobat Tool for Opening Secured PDF

If the problem of can’t open password protected PDF persists, consider Adobe Acrobat software for removing the open PDF protection. It is a highly recommended and professional utility, specially designed for handling PDF security like open passwords and other necessary owner security. Some of the common owner-level permissions include editing, copying, and printing.

Using this pro creative tool, you can easily remove and open the PDF document without any kind of protection. Here is the step-by-step guidance to fix cannot open encrypted PDFs using the Acrobat tool:

1. Install Adobe Acrobat Tool on your system.
1. Look for the **Tool** and click on **Protect** > pick **Encrypt**.
1. Go to “**Remove Security**” and enable No Security.
1. Now, type the correct passkey and press **OK**.

> **Remember:** Often many users get confused when using the Acrobat software due to complex interface and features. Ensure taking proper training for using this advanced software. Additionally, this is not a freeware solution instead it has different plans that are equally costly. So, use this tool while keeping these limitations in mind.

# Tip 5: SysTools PDF Unlocking Software to Fix Cannot Open Password Protected PDF

If you’re addressing the issue of can’t open password protected PDF, use the **[SysTools PDF Unlocker](https://www.systoolsgroup.com/pdf-unlocker.html) Tool**, one of the most secure and powerful software for removing PDF security. This robust utility efficiently works with Windows or Mac OS for unlocking the protected PDF in bulk mode.

Using this proficient software, you can unlock protections like password encryption and owner-level permission. Some of the typical owner restrictions include text editing, copying, and printing the document. Additionally, this standalone software is capable of handling advanced encryption and securing the PDF element or document integrity. Here are the steps to resolve the issue of can’t open secured PDF:

1. Download the SysTools PDF password unlocking tool.
1. Tab **Add Files** to upload secured PDF files.
1. Go to the Password section and type the passkey.
1. “**Save**” and click on “**Change**” to select the location.
1. “**Unlock**” button to open PDF without any protection.

# Concluding Words

In this troubleshooting guide, we have shared 5 effective fixes for cannot open password protected PDF. By following these fixes, you can view or open the encrypted PDF without any protection. Additionally, we recommend you use the SysTools pro utility when facing the issue of can’t open the secured PDF to unlock the document. In this way, you can remove the unnecessary security and download the original PDF on your computer or PC.