Security Policy Errors

How to Stop the 'Some Files Can Harm Your Computer' Warning in Word

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to resolve the recurring security warning stating 'Some files can harm your computer' when attempting to open documents.

How to Stop the 'Some Files Can Harm Your Computer' Warning in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening documents from SharePoint Online, OneDrive-synchronized folders, or other locations after a recent computer update.
Observed behavior: Word blocks immediate access to the document and displays a security prompt, requiring the user to manually bypass the warning to view or edit the file.

Before you start

Ensure your Office application is fully updated to the latest version. Verify that the files you are trying to open come from a trusted source before modifying any security settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Add the File Location to Trusted Locations

This method stops the warning for specific safe folders without compromising the overall security of your computer.

If you frequently open files from specific SharePoint folders, OneDrive, or a company network drive, you can tell Word to trust these specific locations.

Files opened from Trusted Locations will bypass Protected View and the associated security warnings.

Open Trust Center

Launch Microsoft Word. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Options' at the bottom, and then click on 'Trust Center' in the left pane.

Access Trust Center Settings

Click the 'Trust Center Settings...' button located on the right side of the window.

Add a New Location

Select 'Trusted Locations' from the left menu. Click 'Add new location...' at the bottom of the window.

Browse and Confirm

Click 'Browse' to select your OneDrive, SharePoint sync folder, or local folder. Check the box for 'Subfolders of this location are also trusted' if necessary, then click 'OK' to save.

Add the File Location to Trusted Locations

Security Best Practice: Using Trusted Locations is highly recommended over disabling Protected View completely, as it maintains protection for files downloaded from unknown internet sources.

Solution 2

Disable Protected View in Trust Center

Turn off Protected View for files originating from the internet or potentially unsafe locations. Use this at your own risk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get this warning for files stored on my own OneDrive?

Microsoft Office may classify synchronized cloud folders like OneDrive or SharePoint as 'Internet locations' by default. This triggers Protected View to scan for potential threats before allowing you to edit.

Does this security warning affect other Office applications like Excel?

Yes, this is a shared Microsoft Office security feature. You may encounter the same warning in Excel or PowerPoint if the file originates from a similarly restricted or internet-facing location.

Will updating my computer cause this warning to appear?

Sometimes, Windows or Office updates reset Trust Center settings to their secure defaults or alter how synchronized folders are recognized, causing the warning to suddenly reappear for previously trusted files.

Microsoft Office Security Issues