Fixed – Windows Has Blocked Access to This File

Windows Has Blocked Access to This File

Windows Attachment Manager classifies the files you downloaded from internet as high risk, moderate risk, and low risk. It can warn you before opening some potentially harmful files that belong to the high-risk type. However, when trying to open some files you trust, you might receive the following warnings:

Windows found that this file is potentially harmful.

To help protect your computer, Windows has blocked access to this file.

If you are very sure that the files are from a trusted source, the solutions below might be helpful to you. Scroll down to get detailed instructions.

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Suggestion: Make a Backup of Your Files

Before applying any troubleshooting methods, it is necessary to back up your important files. By doing so, you can recover your data easily when unexpected data loss occurs. When it comes to backup, a free PC backup software called MiniTool ShadowMaker might help you out.

This tool is designed to provide easy and professional data recovery solutions for Windows users. It supports backing up multiple items including files, folders, partitions, disks, and systems instantly, daily, weekly, monthly, or on event. Follow these steps to create a file backup now:

Step 1. Download, install, and launch MiniTool ShadowMaker.

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Step 2. In the Backup page, click on SOURCE > Folders and Files to select the files that you want to protect. In DESTINATION, select a storage path for the backup image files.

Step 3. Click on Back Up Now to start the process immediately.

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How to Fix Windows Has Blocked Access to This File?

Way 1: Unblock the File via Properties

First, you can change the file properties to unblock the file. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Right-click on the blocked file and select Properties from the context menu.

Step 2. Under the General tab, tick Unblock and give this operation administrative rights.

Step 3. Click on Apply & OK to save the changes.

Way 2: Change Local Policy Settings

Local Group Policy Editor provides a user interface for managing local Group Policy settings on Windows 10/11. You can also fix Windows has blocked access to this file by editing some policies in it. To do so:

Step 1. Press Win + R to open the Run box.

Step 2. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to launch Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 3. Locate to the following path:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Attachment Manager

Step 4. In the right pane, double-click on Do not preserve zone information in file attachments.

Step 5. Tick Enabled and then save the changes.

Step 6. Restart your computer.

Way 3: Unblock the File in Windows Smart Screen

Every time you download an application or file from the internet, the Windows SmartScreen filter will check it according to Microsoft’s database. If it is known to be safe, it can pass through the filter. If the file has never been seen before and Windows is not sure if it is safe, Windows will prevent you from opening it.

In this case, you can trigger Windows SmartScreen and choose to run it anyway. To do so:

Step 1. Open the blocked file to trigger Windows SmartScreen.

Step 2. In the Windows protected your PC window, click on More info.

Step 3. Then, click on Run anyway to open the file.

Final Words

This post introduces how to unblock files downloaded from internet in 3 ways for you. What’s more, to migrate data-loss risks and keep your data safe, it is important to back up your files with MiniTool ShadowMaker. Good luck!