‘Open file – Security Warning’ warning prompt is shown when users attempt to open an untrusted file downloaded from the internet. But how would Windows know if the opening file is a security threat?
It keeps a list of malicious and risky files in a database, and checks if the properties of the opening file falls within the list. Windows also maintains databases of widely used safe files, and if the opening file doesn’t align with the list, it is flagged as a threat.
At times you would be prompted with the warning message, even if you’re aware that there’s nosecurity risk within a file.you may also disable the prompt from appearing. However, we would only recommend disabling this prompt temporarily and only if you’re dealing with a fully trusted file.
How to Turn Off “Open File Security Warning” Prompt?
While confirming the prompt, you canuntick the Always ask before opening this filecheck box. It should at least avoid the prompt from appearing when opening that specific file in the future.
But completely skipping that step would require changes in security settings.
Run App/Files without Prompts
If that doesn’t work for you, you may attempt to disable the warning prompt and open any applications/files (flagged as unsafe) flawlessly. But keep in mind, applying this fix is an added security risk for your computer.
Yourapp/file should now open without any issue. After you’re done opening a specific app/file, don’t forget to change the setting to its default state. To do so, follow the same steps but choose thePrompt (recommended)radio option on the 6th step.
Turn Off Windows Defender Smartscreen
Windows Defender SmartScreen has its own protection policy and procedure independent of the above-mentionedinternet security settings. It checks the downloaded file against a list of trusted files to confirm if it’s safe. And if the downloaded isn’t in the list of trusted files, it would prompt the very security warning.
To avoid the prompt, you candisable the SmartScreen protection temporarilyfromWindows Defendersettings.
you may turn on the feature after accomplishing your task.
