01. Lock the document
Encrypt the PDF before it leaves your hands.
Create a password-protected copy with AES encryption, then save it beside the original or to the folder you select.
Available nowWindows 10+Windows 11
Lock and unlock PDFs locally on Windows
Files stay on your PC. No uploads, no account, no subscription.
PDF LockSmith is a focused desktop utility for adding password protection to PDF files or removing protection when you know the password. Drop a file, lock or remove its password, and the result saves automatically — all on your device.
A focused desktop workspace for the files that need protection.The workflow
Protection that stays close to the document.
Start with the file in front of you, decide what changes, then keep only the passwords you choose to reuse.
02. Decide what recipients can do
Set boundaries, not just a password.
Add an owner password and control printing, copying, editing, and form filling on the protected file.
03. Keep repeat work local
Store reusable passwords on your device.
The Password Vault keeps saved entries grouped and searchable, secured through Windows DPAPI encryption.
Pricing
Free to use. Pro to unlock.
| Feature | Free | ProRecommended |
|---|---|---|
| Add PDF passwords | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remove passwords | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drag & drop PDFs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-save to folder | ✓ | ✓ |
| Password generator | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recently opened files | ✓ | ✓ |
| Password vault | – | ✓ |
| Owner password & permissions | – | ✓ |
| Change restrictions | – | ✓ |
| Encrypt & strip metadata | – | ✓ |
| Local-first workflow | ✓ | ✓ |
| 100% on-device — no cloud processing | ✓ | ✓ |
Product notes
Built for fast, local PDF protection tasks.
Add PDF passwords
Protect PDF files with a password using AES-128 encryption (AES-256 available in Pro) before sharing them.
Remove passwords
Remove protection from PDFs when you know the correct password.
Drag & drop PDFs
Drop a PDF into the app and start a lock or unlock workflow quickly.
Auto-save to folder
Locked and unlocked files save automatically next to the original or to a custom output folder.
Password generator
Create strong passwords instantly with a built-in generator. Auto-fills both password fields and reveals the result.
Recently opened files
Quickly re-open your last 5 files. Shows filename and folder. Clear history anytime.
Password vault
Organize passwords in named groups with categories, auto-fill when locking, and search by file name. Secured with Windows DPAPI encryption.
Owner password & permissions
Set a separate owner password and restrict printing, copying, modifying, and form filling.
Change restrictions
Modify permissions on already-encrypted PDFs — change what recipients can do without re-entering passwords.
Encrypt & strip metadata
Encrypt PDF metadata so it's only visible after unlocking, or strip author, title, and creation date entirely.
Compact accessible UI
A small fixed-window interface with keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and high-contrast colors.
Local-first workflow
Files are processed on your device using bundled QPDF — nothing leaves your machine.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- Does PDF LockSmith upload my files to a server?
- No. PDF LockSmith processes every file locally on your Windows device using a bundled copy of QPDF. Nothing is uploaded, transmitted, or stored externally. Your files never leave your machine.
- Can I remove a PDF password I forgot?
- No. PDF LockSmith can only remove protection from PDFs when you know the correct password. It cannot crack or bypass unknown passwords. You must be authorized to access the file.
- What Windows versions are supported?
- PDF LockSmith runs on Windows 10 (version 1809 and later) and Windows 11. The current release supports x64 desktops.
- What is the difference between Free and Pro?
- Free gives you password protection and removal for authorized files, drag-and-drop, auto-save, and a password generator. Pro adds an owner password with granular permissions (printing, copying, editing), AES-256 encryption, metadata removal, and a searchable Password Vault secured by Windows DPAPI.
- Is there a subscription?
- No. PDF LockSmith Free is free to use indefinitely. Pro is a one-time purchase — pay once, own forever. No recurring charges, no account required.
- How does the Password Vault work?
- The Vault stores your saved passwords locally in named groups with categories (Finance, Legal, Personal, Work). Passwords are encrypted with Windows DPAPI and never leave your device. You can auto-fill passwords when locking PDFs and search entries by file name.
- Where are protected files saved?
- By default, protected files are saved next to the original in the same folder. You can also choose a custom output folder. PDF LockSmith never deletes or overwrites your original file.