Office Settings & Configuration

How to Stop Word from Opening TXT Files in Protected View

Camila Milosovich Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent Microsoft Word from automatically opening TXT files in Protected View or read-only mode, which requires clicking 'Enable Editing' for every file.

Disabling Protected View in Microsoft Word Trust Center

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening multiple TXT files from a trusted legacy system where repeated security prompts to enable editing severely slow down the workflow.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word treats the text files as untrusted, defaulting to Protected View and opening them as read-only documents.

Before you start

Ensure that the TXT files you are trying to open are from a safe, trusted source before bypassing Protected View, as disabling security mechanisms can expose your device to risks.

Solution 1Recommended

Add the File Folder to Word's Trusted Locations

The most secure and effective way to bypass Protected View for specific files without lowering overall security is to designate their storage folder as a Trusted Location.

By adding a folder to Trusted Locations, Microsoft Word assumes all files within that specific directory are safe, bypassing the Protected View prompt automatically.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and then select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Access the Trust Center

In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Trust Center' in the left pane, and then click the 'Trust Center Settings...' button.

Navigate to Trusted Locations

Select 'Trusted Locations' from the left-hand menu to view your currently trusted folders.

Add the New Location

Click the 'Add new location...' button at the bottom. Browse to the specific folder containing your legacy TXT files.

Apply and Save

If applicable, check the box for 'Subfolders of this location are also trusted'. Click 'OK' on all dialog windows to apply the changes.

Network Drives: If your folder is on a network drive, you must first check the 'Allow Trusted Locations on my network' box in the Trusted Locations menu.

Solution 2

Modify Protected View and File Block Settings

If your text files are scattered across multiple directories and you fully trust the sources, you can alter how Word handles certain file types globally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Word suddenly start opening all my TXT files in Protected View?

This often occurs after a Microsoft 365 update that implements stricter default security policies, or if the files are downloaded from the internet, network drives, or legacy systems without verified digital signatures.

Can I revert to an older version of Word to fix this issue?

While reverting to an older build (such as version 16.0.16026.20274) may bypass the issue temporarily, it is generally restricted by organizational IT policies because it leaves your system vulnerable to missing security patches.

Does adding a Trusted Location in Word affect other Office apps like Excel?

No, Trusted Locations are managed on an individual app basis. A folder trusted in Microsoft Word will not automatically be trusted in Excel or PowerPoint; you must add the folder in each application's Trust Center separately.

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