When downloading images on Windows 10/Windows 11, the message "Processing this file from another PC may block it to help protect your PC" appears. What could be the reason?

Question

Title: Windows shows “This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer” after downloading images from Chrome and Edge

Content:

Hello everyone,

I recently noticed a security message that I have never seen before, and I would like to ask for some advice.

When I download image files using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on both my laptop and desktop computer, and then open the file properties, the General tab shows the following message:

“This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer.”

There is also an Unblock option.

My current environment:

• Laptop: Windows 11 25H2 Home Edition
• Desktop: Windows 10 22H2
• Google Chrome version: 151.0.7922.72 (Official Build) (64-bit)
• Microsoft Edge version: 151.0.4129.59 (Official build) (64-bit)

Previously, when downloading images from Chrome or Edge, I never saw this message.

I would like to ask:

1. Is this a new security feature introduced by a recent Windows update?
2. Could this be related to the recent Chrome 151.0.7922.72 or Edge 151.0.4129.59 updates?
3. Why did this start appearing recently when it did not happen before?
4. Does this message indicate that the file is unsafe, or is it just Windows recording the file’s Internet source (Mark of the Web, MOTW)?
5. If the image file is from a trusted source, is it safe to click Unblock?

Currently, Windows Defender has not detected any threats, and the system is working normally.

I would like to know whether this is normal behavior or if other users have experienced the same issue.

Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

Hello,

This is normal Windows behavior and does not mean the image is unsafe.

The message is caused by Mark of the Web (MOTW). Windows records that the file was downloaded from the Internet, so the Properties window may show the Unblock option.

This is not a new Windows 11 feature, and I am not aware of any official notice saying Chrome 151 or Edge 151 specifically introduced it. It may simply be that recent browser or system changes are now preserving this Internet-zone information more consistently.

If the image is from a trusted source and Microsoft Defender reports no threat, it is generally safe to click Unblock.

Microsoft explanation:

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/security-information-about-the-attachment-manager-in-microsoft-windows