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How to Fix Word and Excel File Preview Problems on Synology NAS
Question details
The user is unable to preview Microsoft Word and Excel files stored on a Synology NAS using the Windows 11 File Explorer preview pane, despite other formats previewing correctly.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows 11 / Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to view document previews in Windows File Explorer for Office files hosted on a Synology NAS shared folder.
- Observed behavior
- File Explorer fails to generate previews for Word and Excel documents on the NAS, while PDFs, images, and other formats preview without any issues.
Ensure your Windows operating system and Synology NAS firmware are fully updated, and verify that the File Explorer preview pane is turned on.
Adjust Microsoft Office Trust Center Settings
Modifying Protected View and Trusted Locations settings in Office can bypass strict security blocks that prevent previews of files from networked drives.
Windows handles Microsoft Office files with stricter security protocols when they originate from a network location. Adjusting your Trust Center settings can allow the File Explorer preview handler to read the file contents.
Launch Microsoft Word or Excel, click on the File tab in the top-left corner, and select Options at the bottom of the menu.
In the Options window, click on Trust Center in the left sidebar, then click the Trust Center Settings button.
Select Trusted Locations on the left, check the box for 'Allow trusted locations on my network', and click 'Add new location' to enter the exact UNC path or mapped drive letter of your Synology NAS.
Click on Protected View in the left menu and temporarily uncheck 'Enable Protected View for files originating from the Internet' and 'Enable Protected View for files located in potentially unsafe locations' to test the preview.
Reindex the Synology NAS Shared Folder
Indexing issues on the NAS side can prevent Windows File Explorer from rendering external file previews properly.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management
If strict Microsoft Office network security continues to block your NAS file previews, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly experience for handling Word, Excel, and PDF files on any local or networked drive without heavy background restrictions.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and follow the easy installation prompts.
- 2. Connect Network Drive: Ensure your Synology NAS is mapped as a local network drive in Windows File Explorer.
- 3. Open Files Directly: Access your NAS folders and double-click any document to open it quickly and securely in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do PDFs and images preview on the NAS but not Office files?
Windows applies stricter security measures, such as Protected View, specifically to Microsoft Office files originating from network locations. This can prevent the Windows preview handler from reading the file contents, whereas standard images and PDFs do not trigger these Office-specific security blocks.
How do I turn on the preview pane in Windows 11?
Open File Explorer, click on the 'View' drop-down menu at the top, select 'Show', and then click on 'Preview pane' to enable it. You can also toggle it using the Alt + P keyboard shortcut.
Can mapping the NAS as a network drive fix preview issues?
Yes. Sometimes assigning a specific drive letter to your NAS folder (e.g., Z: drive) instead of using a UNC path (like \\NAS\folder) helps Windows and Office accurately recognize the trusted location and correctly trigger the preview handler.
Is it safe to disable Protected View for network files?
It comes with risks. Disabling Protected View means any malicious code embedded in a network file could execute when opened or previewed. Only disable this feature if you strictly control the files placed on your NAS and operate on a secure private network.
