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A sensitive document requires a password to secure its content from tampering. It prevents users from accessing the data. Moreover, there are various instances where you forgot PDF password and need to recover it to open the document. If you’re wondering how to recover forgotten PDF password, follow this step-by-step guide. In the following article, we will share the methods for recovering the lost PDF password. 

Understanding PDF Password Protection

Before moving on to recovery methods, it’s important to understand how PDF security works.

PDF files generally have two types of passwords:

1. User Password (Open Password)
   This password is required to open and view the PDF file.

2. Owner Password (Permission Password)
   This restricts actions such as printing, editing, copying text, or extracting images.

The recovery approach depends on which type of password you’ve forgotten. Open passwords are harder to recover, while permission passwords are relatively easier to remove.

Common Reasons Users Forget PDF Passwords

Forgetting a PDF password is more common than you think. Some frequent reasons include:

• PDFs downloaded long ago with rarely used passwords

• Multiple PDFs protected with different passwords

• Passwords set by colleagues or previous employees

• Auto-generated passwords sent via email that were not saved

• Password-protected backups or archived documents

No matter the reason, the good news is that recovery is possible.

Things to Consider Before Recovering a PDF Password

Before attempting any recovery method, keep these points in mind:

• Ensure the PDF file belongs to you or you have legal permission to access it

• Recovery success depends on password complexity and encryption level

• Avoid random online tools that may compromise data security

• Always keep a backup copy of the original PDF

How to Recover Forgotten PDF Password Using Adobe Acrobat (If You Know the Password)

If you remember the password partially or can open the file but face restrictions, Adobe Acrobat can help remove security. This is an advanced yet dedicated tool to remove PDF restrictions without data loss. Moreover, the software allows you to disable passwords and other permissions. However, the tool won't support password recovery. 

In other words, you can effortlessly remove the protections with Acrobat. But, the software isn't capable of retrieving the lost PDF password. Below are the steps to try if you know the PDF password. 

Steps:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro

2. Enter the known password

3. Go to File > Properties > Security

4. Change Security Method to No Security

5. Save the file

Pros:

• Official and reliable

• Maintains document integrity

Cons:

• Requires knowing the password

• Paid tool

• Cannot recover unknown open passwords

How to Recover Forgotten Password of PDF File Using SysTools PDF Software 

If you're wondering how to how to recover forgotten PDF password, download SysTools PDF Password Recovery Tool. It is among the most secure and trusted software for retrieving lost credentials in one go. The tool is designed for both Windows and macOS machines. Using this robust utility, you can effortlessly recover unknown or partially known passwords without data loss or formatting. 

Moreover, the tool supports two advanced recovery techniques, i.e, Brute Force or Mask attack. If you don't remember the password, the brute force lets you recover it without facing challenges or errors. On the other hand, the mask attack is beneficial for retrieving the partially known document password. Most importantly, it allows users to find out the charset up to 20 characters. Overall, the tool is secure and ensures the fastest recovery of lost passwords without changing the formatting. Now, let's dive in to find out the common step guide. 

Step Guide on How to Recover Lost PDF Files

1. Firstly, download the SysTools PDF Pro software on your machine.
2. Tab Browse feature to upload the necessary document. 
3. Under the Recovery mode: tab radio icon of Unknown Password. 
4. If remember any charset > enable it > tab Recover.  
5. This way, you can retrieve the PDF password instantly. 

Please Note: If you don't want a password on a PDF document, try PDF Unlocker Software to remove the unwanted password. Using this software, you can disable the security and minimize the risk of lossing the credentials. 

Is PDF Password Recovery Legal?

Yes—as long as you own the document or have authorization. Recovering passwords for files you don’t have permission to access may violate legal and ethical guidelines. Always ensure compliance with company policies and local laws.

Final Words 

In the above guide, we have shared 2 best techniques on how to recover forgotten PDF password. Using these methods, you can recover the PDF password. Since Adobe Acrobat isn't the ideal tool. Try SysTools PDF Pro software to retrieve the lost PDF password.