Windows 7: Open File - Security Warning : Allow or Prevent to Unblock File

   Information

This will show you how to allow or prevent all users from being able to stop the Open File - Security Warning prompt by removing the unblock button and Always ask before opening this file check box for a downloaded or copied file from the internet or another computer.

The Open File - Security Warning prompt is a security measure in Windows 7 and Vista to ask for your permission (like UAC) before allowing a downloaded or copied file from the internet or another computer to be opened or run on your computer.

You will need to be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.

   Note

If allowed, users will be able to unblock a file that has been downloaded or copied from the internet or another computer to your computer to no longer get the Open File - Security Warning prompt when a user opens or runs that specific file anymore.

If prevented, users will not be able to unblock a file that has been downloaded or copied from the internet or another computer to your computer, and will always get the Open File - Security Warning prompt when a user opens or runs that specific file.

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. Allow to Unblock File to Stop "Open File - Security Warning" Prompt
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Enable_Unblock_Open_File_Security_Warning.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. Prevent to Unblock File to Always Have "Open File - Security Warning" Prompt

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Disable_Unblock_Open_File_Security_Warning.reg

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes (Windows 7) or Continue (Vista), Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

OPTION TWO

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and Attachment Manager. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Hide mechanisms to remove zone information and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. Allow to Unblock File to Stop "Open File - Security Warning" Prompt

A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.

B) Go to step 6.

5. Prevent to Unblock File to Always Have "Open File - Security Warning" Prompt

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.