Prevent downloading of enclosures

Purpose

Show registry keys (2)

• HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Feeds\DisableEnclosureDownload
• HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Feeds\DisableEnclosureDownload

This Administrative Templates policy prevents the Windows Feed Sync Engine from downloading enclosures from RSS feeds to the computer. An enclosure is a file referenced by an RSS enclosure element.

When the policy is in effect, users cannot allow enclosure downloads from a feed's properties. Applications also cannot change the download setting through the Windows Feeds APIs. Without this restriction, users or applications can configure the Feed Sync Engine to download enclosures.

Notes

Additional effects

The policy does more than lock the corresponding user option: it also prevents software using the Feeds APIs from changing the enclosure download setting.

Security

Blocking feed enclosures limits one path through which unwanted or malicious files could reach the computer. The policy does not inspect feeds or scan files for malware. It also does not prevent downloads performed by web browsers, third-party feed readers, or other applications.

Possible side effects

Files published only as feed enclosures are not downloaded locally by the Windows Feed Sync Engine. Features or applications that depend on locally synchronized enclosures may therefore be unable to provide the affected content as intended.

Notes

This is an inetres.admx-backed policy located under Windows Components > RSS Feeds. It supports both computer and user policy scopes. The HKLM entry represents the computer scope, while the HKCU entry represents the user scope.

Its effect is limited to the Windows Feed Sync Engine and its APIs; the value is not a general system-wide download restriction.

Microsoft documentation

Microsoft Learn: InternetExplorer Policy CSP – DisableEnclosureDownloading

See also

• Entry in the reference