How Can I Remove a Known Password from PDF Files Without Changing the Original Content?

tylerhoward1

I have several password-protected PDF files. The passwords are known, so opening them is not an issue, but entering the password every time slows down my work. These PDFs contain important reports and records, so I want to remove or reset the known passwords without affecting the text, images, formatting, or document properties. What is the safest Windows-based way to unlock these PDFs and keep the original content intact?

reginhardbohm

Since the passwords are already known, this is a normal PDF security removal case, not password cracking. The safest way is to work on copies of the PDFs first. Then remove or reset the known password from those copies.
You can do this

• Make a backup folder for the original PDFs
• Test one file before doing all files
• Enter the correct password when asked
• Remove or reset the PDF password
• Save the unlocked PDF in a separate output folder
  For a Windows-based option, Softaken Unlock PDF Files can be used here. It is made for removing or resetting known PDF passwords and can also handle copy, print, and edit restrictions. It should keep the PDF text, images, formatting and properties as they are.