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Do not open files from the internet zone in Protected View

This per-user `REG_DWORD` value determines whether Microsoft Word opens files from the Internet zone in Protected View.

since 0.9.8.11

Purpose

Show registry keys (1)
  • HKCU\software\policies\microsoft\office\16.0\word\security\protectedview\disableinternetfilesinpv

This per-user REG_DWORD value determines whether Microsoft Word opens files from the Internet zone in Protected View. The decision is based on zone information supplied by Windows, such as the origin marking attached to a downloaded file.

The value follows the negative wording of the policy name:

  • 1: Word bypasses Protected View for these files and opens them in the normal document mode.
  • 0: Word opens these files in Protected View.
  • Not present: The policy is not configured; Word uses its regular behavior, under which files from the Internet zone normally open in Protected View.

Protected View lets the user read the document while initially disabling most editing functions. This reduces the risk presented by potentially malicious files obtained from the Internet.

Notes

Security

A value of 1 removes one layer of protection from files associated with the Internet zone. Those files are no longer opened first in the restricted, read-only Protected View mode. Users can interact with the document immediately, which increases exposure to malicious or manipulated content.

This setting does not automatically override every other Office security control. Separate File Block rules, Office File Validation settings, macro policies, or Application Guard for Microsoft 365 can still restrict the file, prevent active content from running, or require a different protected environment.

Possible side effects

With a value of 0, or when the policy is not configured, affected documents initially have limited editing, saving, and printing functionality. Add-ins might also have reduced functionality in Protected View, and required cloud fonts might not be downloaded.

A value of 1 removes these Protected View limitations for files from the Internet zone. Restrictions imposed by other security policies remain in effect.

Notes

The value applies per user and only to Microsoft Word. It affects files that Word recognizes as originating from the Internet zone. A file can still open in Protected View or Application Guard, or be blocked entirely, for reasons controlled by other settings.

Microsoft documentation

Microsoft Learn: List of settings for the Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise security baseline in Intune

Microsoft Support: What is Protected View?

See also