Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Microsoft Access Cannot Add Network Folder as Trusted Location

Muhammad Talha Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to add a network folder as a Trusted Location in Microsoft Access due to a security error, even though network trusted locations appear to be enabled.

How to Fix Microsoft Access Rejecting a Network Folder as a Trusted Location

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Configuring security settings to allow macros or active database content to run securely from a shared network drive.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Access displays a security error and completely rejects the network path, preventing the folder from being added to the Trusted Locations list.

Before you start

Verify that your computer is securely connected to the local network and that you have active read and write permissions for the specific network folder you intend to use.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Trust Center and Specify a Subfolder

Ensure network locations are explicitly permitted and avoid selecting the root directory of a mapped drive, as Access typically requires a specific subfolder for security reasons.

Microsoft Access restricts adding root network drives (e.g., Z:\ or \\Server\Share\) to prevent broad security vulnerabilities. Adding a specific subfolder within that share is the standard approach.

Enable Network Trusted Locations

Open Microsoft Access and click on 'File' > 'Options'. Select 'Trust Center' from the left menu, click 'Trust Center Settings', and navigate to 'Trusted Locations'. Check the box at the bottom that says 'Allow Trusted Locations on my network (not recommended)'.

Add a Specific Subfolder

Click the 'Add new location' button. Instead of choosing the top-level network drive, use the 'Browse' button to navigate into a specific subfolder where your database files are stored.

Check Subfolders Box

If you have nested folders containing databases, check the box for 'Subfolders of this location are also trusted' before clicking 'OK' to save the new setting.

Network Path Formats: If a mapped drive letter (like Z:\Subfolder) is rejected, try entering the exact Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path instead (e.g., \\ServerName\ShareName\Subfolder).

Solution 2

Check Organizational Group Policy Settings

If the options are greyed out or the error persists, your organization's IT department may have enforced policies that block network trusted locations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Access block network paths by default?

Access blocks network paths by default to protect your computer from potentially malicious macros and active code that might reside on a shared network where multiple users have write access.

Can I add the root of my mapped network drive as a trusted location?

No, it is highly discouraged and often blocked by Microsoft Office security protocols to add a root drive (e.g., Z:\). You must select a specific subfolder (e.g., Z:\Databases) to be successfully added.

What is a UNC path and how do I find it?

A UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path specifies a network location directly (e.g., \\ServerName\SharedFolder). You can find it by opening Command Prompt and typing 'net use' to see where your mapped drives point.

How do I fix 'The path you have entered cannot be used as a Trusted Location'?

This error occurs when the path is invalid, lacks proper read/write permissions, is a root directory, or if the 'Allow Trusted Locations on my network' checkbox has not been enabled in the Trust Center Settings.

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