Why Does My File Open in Protected View?

Opened a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file and saw a yellow Protected View bar? Office opens files from the internet and email attachments read-only until you choose to edit them. Here's why, and when it's safe to turn editing on.

Why it happens

Files from outside your computer can carry harmful code. Protected View lets you read the file without giving it a chance to run anything. You'll usually see it on:

  • Email attachments
  • Files downloaded from a website
  • Files saved somewhere Office considers unsafe, like a Temporary Internet Files folder

Should I select Enable Editing?

If
Then
You expected the file and know the sender
Select Enable Editing.
You weren't expecting it, or the sender seems off
Don't enable editing. Check with the sender another way, like a phone call. See Phishing — Recognizing and Reporting Phishing at NCU.
You only need to read it
Stay in Protected View.

Enable Content is different

A second yellow bar asking you to Enable Content means the file has macros. Don't select it unless you know exactly why the file needs them. See Microsoft Office: Macros & Enabled Content.

Opening the file from OneDrive or Teams instead of a download often avoids Protected View, because the file is already in your NCU account.

Get help

Still need help? Call the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170 or visit Miller Hall 226, Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT.

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