Password protection for presentations in PowerPoint

Add password protection to a file

1. Select File > Info.

2. Select Protect Presentation > Encrypt with Password.

3. In the Password box, enter the password you'd like to use. Select OK.

4. PowerPoint prompts you to confirm the password by entering it once more.

5. Save the file to ensure the password takes effect.

Password protection isn't supported in PowerPoint for ODP (Open Document Presentation) files. 

Remove a password from a file

Removing a password from a document is a simple process, but you have to know the original password.

1. Open the presentation whose password you want to remove.

2. Select File > Info.

3. Select Protect Presentation > Encrypt with Password.

4. Clear the password in the Password box, and then click OK.

Require a password to modify a presentation

You can add a password so that only authorized users can modify a presentation. Unauthorized users can still open the presentation and then save it by using a different file name.

1. Click File > Save As > select a location and select More Options to bring up the Windows location dialog

2. Expand the Tools dropdown and select General Options

3. Enter the desired password into the Password to modify box, and then click OK

Co-authoring a password-protected file

If you attempt to open a password-protected file that someone else is currently working on, you'll be able to open it, but you won't be able to edit it. You'll see the file in read-only mode.

See Also

Add or remove protection in your document, workbook, or presentation

Require a password to open a presentation

1. Click File > Passwords.

2. Under Password to open, select the Encrypt this presentation and require a password to open check box.

3. In the New password box, type a password.

   Note: To create a strong password, use at least seven characters and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and non-alphabetic characters such as !,$, #, and %. Do not include your account name or other personal information.

4. In the Verify box, type the password again, and then click Set Password.

5. Click OK, and then save your presentation.

   Tip: To remove the password, clear the Encrypt this presentation and require a password to open check box, click OK, and then save your presentation.

Require a password to modify a presentation

You can add a password so that only authorized users can modify a presentation. Unauthorized users can still open the presentation and then save it by using a different file name.

1. Click File > Passwords.

2. Under Password to modify, select the Require a password to modify the presentation check box.

3. In the New password box, type a password.

   Note: To create a strong password, use at least seven characters and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and non-alphabetic characters such as !,$, #, and %. Do not include your account name or other personal information.

4. In the Verify box, type the password again, and then click Set Password.

5. Click OK, and then save your presentation.

Change a password to open or modify a presentation

1. Click File > Passwords.

2. Under Password to open or Password to modify, click Change Password.

3. In the New password box, type the new password.

   Note: To create a strong password, use at least seven characters and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and non-alphabetic characters such as !,$, #, and %. Do not include your account name or other personal information.

4. In the Verify box, type the password again, and then click Set Password.

5. Click OK, and then save your presentation.