Body
Need to send a file with sensitive information? Learn how to password-protect a Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF file, and why a OneDrive link is usually the better choice.
Usually better: share a link. Instead of attaching the file, share it from OneDrive or Teams with Specific people. Only those people can open it, you can remove access anytime, and there's no password to send.
Password-protect an Office file
|
1
|
Open the file
Open it in the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint desktop app.
|
|
2
|
Encrypt it
Select File > Info > Protect Document (or Workbook or Presentation) > Encrypt with Password.
|
|
3
|
Set the password
Type a strong password, confirm it, and save the file.
|
Password-protect a PDF
In Adobe Acrobat Pro, select Protect a PDF (or All tools > Protect a PDF), choose to protect it with a password, and save.
Don't lose the password
If you forget the password, no one can open the file, including IT. Send the password a different way than the file, like a phone call or Teams message, never in the same email.
Not sure what counts as sensitive? See Handling Sensitive University Data.
Get help
Still need help? Submit a request through Operating System or Software Support, call the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170, or visit Miller Hall 226.