How to bypass - File Explorer automatically disables the preview feature for files downloaded from the internet

Question

Windows recent update has blocked preview panel

I have tried to override it by following MS's instruction(below):

If you are confident in the safety of both the file and its source, you may remove the internet security block.

To remove the block for a downloaded file, right-click the file in File Explorer, select Properties, and then select Unblock.

*Note: The change might not take effect immediately but will be effective after the next login.

*I logged off and logged back in, even restarted the computer but it still says - "File Explorer automatically disables the preview feature for files downloaded from the internet"

*

*I cant try the second option(below) because it is disabled by the company I work for. Also Does Network mapped drives count as Internet Zone File?

To remove the block for files on an Internet Zone file share, use the Internet Options control panel’s Security tab to add the file share’s address to either the Local intranet or Trusted sites security zone.

Warning: This configuration change will relax the security posture for all files from the listed file share.

Has anyone found a solution for this?

Answer 1

Hi TinnyTiny,

You're right! Recent Windows updates have tightened security around previewing files flagged as originating from the internet. Even after using the “Unblock” option in Properties, File Explorer may still restrict previews if the file resides on a location classified under the Internet Zone. This includes certain mapped network drives depending on how they're configured.

To answer your question: yes, mapped drives can be treated as Internet Zone locations if they’re not explicitly added to the Local intranet or Trusted sites zone. If your organization restricts access to Internet Options, you might consider checking with your IT admin whether Group Policy settings are enforcing this behavior. Specifically, the policy “Do not preserve zone information in file attachments” under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Attachment Manager can influence how files are treated.

As a workaround, copying the file to a local folder (like your Desktop or Documents) after unblocking it may allow the preview to work as expected. This isn't ideal, but it can help in environments with tight security controls.

Hope this helps clarify things! If you found this answer useful, feel free to hit “Accept Answer” so others can benefit too 😊

Jason,