The Quick Route

Choose Protect PDF → Set A Password → Save A Protected Copy.

Follow The Steps

  1. 1

    Choose Protect PDF

    Open Advanced PDF Utilities Free, choose Protect PDF and select your source file.

  2. 2

    Set A Password

    Choose an appropriate password in the protection dialog. Store it somewhere you can retrieve it, and review the available access settings.

  3. 3

    Save A Protected Copy

    Export to a new filename. Close and reopen the copy to confirm the password works before sending it to someone else.

Before You Finish

This guide covers adding protection. The app is not a forgotten-password recovery service. Opening or changing an already protected PDF requires the credentials and permissions appropriate to that document.

Advanced PDF Utilities Free displaying a sample document in its Read and edit workspaceView Screenshot
Advanced PDF Utilities Free · Actual Application

Keep Your Original

Save your result with a new filename and check it before replacing or sharing a document. Use a small sample first when the source contains unfamiliar formatting.

Choose The Matching Free App

Advanced PDF Utilities Free is the tool used for this workflow. All its included features are free to use.

Download Free Software
System Requirements & File Details

Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit. Required application runtimes are included with setup.

Version 8.1.0 · 33.4 MB · 33,360,272 bytes.

Setup includes an optional third-party software offer. You can decline it and still install this application.

Verify The Download

SHA-256

A6D21EF10164C15B97E18009F93CFC247CBD82E94DFD5939322A05F0B309093F