Turn off file validation
This per-user `REG_DWORD` value controls Office File Validation in Microsoft Word.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Show registry keys (1)
HKCU\software\policies\microsoft\office\16.0\word\security\filevalidation\enableonload
This per-user REG_DWORD value controls Office File Validation in Microsoft Word. Before Word opens a binary Word 97–2003 document, particularly a .doc or .dot file, file validation can compare the document’s internal structure with the rules defined for that file format.
A value of 0 turns off file validation, causing Word to open the affected file types without performing this structural check. A value of 1 turns file validation on. Consequently, enabling the “Turn off file validation” administrative-template policy writes 0, while disabling the policy writes 1.
Notes
Security
Office File Validation detects unexpected or manipulated structures in legacy Office binary formats. Structural inconsistencies can be caused by file corruption, but they can also be deliberately introduced to exploit vulnerabilities in file-format parsers.
With enableonload set to 0, Word no longer uses this validation layer for the affected files. A specially crafted document therefore cannot be detected on the basis of an Office File Validation failure, and validation cannot trigger the corresponding protected handling. In particular, Protected View will not be invoked because of a validation failure that was never checked.
This value does not generally disable other security controls. A document might still be blocked, scanned, or opened in Protected View because of its origin, File Block settings, antimalware protection, or other independent policies.
Notes
Because the value is stored under HKCU, it applies to the individual user. It controls file validation only for Word; Excel and PowerPoint use separate application-specific registry paths.
The 16.0 policy branch is not limited to Word 2016. Microsoft also uses the Office 16.0 administrative templates for Microsoft 365 Apps and later perpetual releases such as Office 2019 and Office LTSC.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Security Advisory 2501584 – Office File Validation
Microsoft Support: What is Protected View?
Microsoft Download Center: Administrative Template files for Microsoft Office