Can't open images and videos I downloaded myself because they could be potentially harmful

Hello anna künzi

Thanks for reaching out to the Q&A forum.

From what you described, you're facing an issue with being unable to open most of the downloaded files and zipped folders from Snapchat, receiving an error message indicating your downloaded files as potentially harmful.

“Mark of the Web” (MOTW) is a security mechanism designed to protect you from malware hidden inside downloads from the internet plus the unusual (names, format...). This feature cannot be fully disabled system‑wide.

Harold Milan already suggested unlocking the file through Properties, but in case you cannot change anything in the Properties window, a workaround you can try is: Putting everything in a known folder (e.g., C:\SnapsExport) and using PowerShell to remove the Mark of the Web (MOTW) from those files.

To be more specific:

1. Create C:\SnapsExport (or any path you prefer).

Move all ZIPs and standalone media files into this folder.

2. Unlock the files using PowerShell as Administrator:

$root = 'C:\SnapsExport'

Then run

Get-ChildItem -Path $root -File -Recurse | Unblock-File (This is to unblock all files in $root and all subfolders)

Optional: Unblock only ZIPs first (prevents MOTW propagating when you extract)

$root = 'C:\SnapsExport'

Unblock only .zip files, including subfolders: Get-ChildItem -Path $root -Filter *.zip -File -Recurse | Unblock-File

3. Try extracting your ZIP files and opening files
4. Extra tips: If you only need to open files from a specific online folder, you can add that site to the Trusted Sites list, or if the file is digitally signed, add the publisher to the Trusted Publishers list to reduce security prompts:

Press Win + R, type inetcpl.cpl press Enter.

Go to Security > Trusted sites > Sites.

Enter the website domain

Click Add, then Close > OK.

Hope this helps. I'm here if you need further assistance!

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