Why Some Microsoft Files Open with the "Protected View" Banner

If you have ever tried to edit a Microsoft file and were unable to, you might have also noticed a banner at the top of the application window. This banner shows that the file, regardless of type, is in "PROTECTED VIEW", and there is a button next to this text within the banner you can click that will enable editing.

This post discusses why some Microsoft Files open with in Protected View and why you have to enable editing.

Protected view is a security feature used by Microsoft to open files without all options enabled. This allows a user to look at the file, without making changes, and often without all linked files, extensions and macros enabled. The purpose of this is to limit the user's exposure when opening the file.

Some files open with the "Protected View" banner across the top by default.

If you tracked which files open in protected view, you will noticed they are those files that have been sent to you from outside your domain. This means people who work for the same company as you will be able to send you documents of any type and they should open normally - or in editable mode. However, any time you open files sent from an outside vendor, these should always open in protected view.

Once a document has opened in protected view, all you need to do is click the "Enable Editing" button.

Click the "Enable Editing" button to reload the document in an editable format.

This will reload the document and now it will be in a state that allows you to make edits to the document.

It is important to note that files opening in protected view are done so as a security measure aimed at protecting your device. This is a small step towards protecting users when they open files. If you are not expecting a file from someone, a file is sent from someone you do not know, or the email or file name seems suspect even though it is from a known sender, you should err on the side of caution by not opening the attachment.

You can always reach out to the sender directly - by creating a new email or calling them - and verify they intended to send you a document. This is an important step in protecting the security of your device, documents, files and information, because anti-malware software will do its best to protect you, but if you click on something to open it or download something and say yes to install it, the protection application can only do so much.

On the other hand, if you are expecting the file and are sure it is safe to open, simply click the "Enable Editing" button next to the protected view text in the banner which will reload the document so you can edit it.

If you plan to save the document locally and continue working on it, you can also update the document so it does not continue opening in protected view. Simply save the document locally, then right-click on it and select "Properties" from the pop-up menu.

Right-click on the document and select "Properties" from the pop-up menu.

In the document Properties window, verify you are on the General tab. Then check the box next to "Unblock" at the bottom of the box next to "Security: This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer."

Check the box next to "Unblock" and click "Apply" and "Ok" to save this setting.

With the checkmark in "Unblock", click the "Apply" and "OK" buttons to save this setting. This should allow the document to open into an editable format rather than in protected view when you open it in the future.

Protected view in Microsoft files is a layer of protection provided to users when they open files from outside their organization. This can be a helpful reminder to proceed cautiously when opening files sent to you. However, if you trust the file, you only need to enable editing to get the file into an editable format so you can make changes.

As always, understanding a change that has been implemented is key in best utilizing that change!