You can now directly edit password-protected Microsoft Office files within Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides in Google Drive.
Please be aware that depending on the operating procedures, the password set on the file may be removed. Please take note of the following. This is due to a change in Google's specifications, and this feature cannot be disabled.

1. Occurring Events and Risks

When opening a password-protected Office file on the browser version of Google Drive, a warning will be displayed as shown in the figure below.

Image

If you select "Edit" after entering the password, the password applied to the file will be automatically deleted (removed) in order to enable the collaborative editing feature of Google Drive. Once deleted, everyone who subsequently accesses the file will be able to view and edit it without a password.

2. Target File Formats

This event occurs when opening the following files in the browser version of Google Drive:

• Word (.docx, .doc, etc.)
• Excel (.xlsx, .xls, etc.)
• PowerPoint (.pptx, .ppt, etc.)

3. Usage Precautions and Recommended Actions

When opening password-protected files, please select the following operations depending on your purpose.

To just check the content: Open with "Preview"

To edit while maintaining the password: Open with Google Drive for desktop *Please refer to the following manual for an explanation of Google Drive for desktop: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FTCLyu2cEmNCx8n4bYUZNF5bjxlYy5pa598SuXzCCpo/edit?usp=sharing *Japanese only

Additionally, if the file is in PDF format, the password removal described above will not occur.

In the unlikely event that the password has been removed, please open the file in Google Drive for desktop and reset the password.
Furthermore, please manage files on Google Drive that require protection by using sharing settings to share them only with appropriate recipients, rather than relying solely on passwords.