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PwDone

About PwDone

PwDone is a desktop app for one narrow job: helping you get back into your own password-protected files when you have forgotten the password.

Why we built it

Recovering a password from a ZIP, PDF or Office file is a solved problem — but the tools that solve it assume you are comfortable with command lines, hash formats, attack modes and GPU configuration. Most people just want to open their file.

PwDone hides that complexity behind a guided workflow. You pick a file, choose how much you remember about the password, and start. The app handles format detection, hash extraction, validation and engine selection.

How it works

  1. Detect the file format from its contents, not just its extension.
  2. Extract a recovery hash locally with a native extractor.
  3. Validate and normalize the hash for the recovery engine.
  4. Recover with Hashcat (GPU) or John the Ripper (CPU), with live progress.

See the walkthrough with screenshots.

A successful recovery is cached in a local history so a repeat attempt on the same file answers instantly. The history stays on your device and can be cleared at any time.

Privacy by design

  • Your files never leave your device.
  • No account is required to use the app.
  • No telemetry or usage tracking inside the app.
  • Recovered passwords are never logged or sent anywhere.

Read the privacy policy for the full details.

Built on proven engines

PwDone bundles Hashcat for GPU acceleration and John the Ripper as a CPU fallback, together with native format extractors. Both engines are separate open-source projects; PwDone is not affiliated with either.

The value PwDone adds is the workflow: detection, extraction, validation, engine selection and a clear progress and result screen.

Who is behind it

PwDone is built and maintained by an independent developer. Sales are handled by our merchant of record, who is the seller of record for your purchase.

Press and contact

For media enquiries see the press kit. For support, email [email protected].

Comparing options? See PwDone vs other tools.

The public product hub, release notes and issue tracker are on GitHub.