Applies To
Excel for Microsoft 365 Word for Microsoft 365 PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 Excel 2024 Word 2024 PowerPoint 2024 Excel 2021 Word 2021 PowerPoint 2021 Excel 2019 Word 2019 PowerPoint 2019 Excel 2016 Word 2016 PowerPoint 2016

Files from the Internet and from other potentially unsafe locations can contain viruses, worms, or other kinds of malware that can harm your computer. To help protect your computer, files from these potentially unsafe locations are opened as read only or in Protected View. By using Protected View, you can read a file and see its contents while reducing the risks. If you determine the file is safe, you can enable editing.

Important: We advise speaking with your administrator before you make changes to your Protected View settings

What do these settings mean?

  • Enable Protected View for files originating from the Internet The Internet is considered an unsafe location because of its many opportunities for malicious intent.

  • Enable Protected View for files that are located in potentially unsafe locations This refers to folders on your computer or network that are considered unsafe, such as the Temporary Internet folder or other folders assigned by your administrator.

  • Enable Protected View for Outlook attachments Attachments in emails can come from unreliable or unknown sources. Sometimes malicious attachments can appear to come from trusted senders, or can come from compromised accounts of trusted senders. Always confirm with the other person if you receive an unexpected, or suspicious, attachment via email.

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