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+--- Thread: how can I unlock my PDF without password? (/thread-13321.html)
how can I unlock my PDF without password? - Janhardin21 - 07-23-2025
I have a PDF file that I protected with a password some time ago, but now I’ve forgotten the password and can't access its contents. Most free tools I found either require the password or only remove restrictions like editing or printing. I need a way to unlock the PDF entirely without knowing the password.
RE: how can I unlock my PDF without password? - nick8606 - 07-23-2025
Password is transformed to encryption key. Old files use 40-bit key, it can be found during reasonable time. If your file uses 40-bit key then you have good chances to decrypt data without exact password. Newer files use 128 or 256-bit key and require correct password.
Some utilities can remove restrictions and enable locked features. It doesn't mean access to encrypted content.