Can this recover a forgotten password?

No. Unlock only works when you supply the correct password. There is no brute-force or recovery mode.

Will unlocking change the content?

Page content stays the same; only encryption metadata is removed so the file opens without a password.

Only unlock documents you own or are authorized to access. Removing protection without permission may violate policy or law.

PDFNexus tool

Remove open-password protection from a PDF when you know the password. Download an unencrypted copy for editing, merging, or archiving.

Remove password protection when you know the password. No cracking or bypass attempts.

Processed locally

Drop a PDF here or click to browse

Processed in your browser — files stay on this device

Current passwordShow password

This tool only decrypts with a password you provide. It will not attempt to guess or bypass protection.

Your file never leaves this device for this operation.

This tool runs in your browser. Your file is not uploaded to process it.

You must know the correct open password; this tool does not crack passwords.
Permission-only restrictions without an open password may not be removable here.
Large encrypted files may take longer to decrypt in the browser.

Can this recover a forgotten password?: No. Unlock only works when you supply the correct password. There is no brute-force or recovery mode.
Will unlocking change the content?: Page content stays the same; only encryption metadata is removed so the file opens without a password.
Is it legal to unlock a PDF?: Only unlock documents you own or are authorized to access. Removing protection without permission may violate policy or law.