Myth: turn off Mark of the Web to stop "this file came from the internet" warnings — via Microsoft Learn
MythNeeds adminWindows 11Windows 10
Some guides suggest a policy so files copied from untrusted places aren't tagged with the Mark of the Web, to get rid of security prompts. That tag is how Windows and apps such as Office know a file came from the internet and should be treated with care; Microsoft warns that not tagging such files can expose the PC to security risks.
What to do instead
- For a single file you trust: right-click → Properties → tick Unblock → OK.
- Leave the policy "Do not apply the Mark of the Web tag to files copied from insecure sources" (File Explorer) not configured.
If someone has already set it, undo it by setting that policy back to Not configured. Undoing it doesn't re-tag files that were copied while it was on.
Sources
- ADMX_WindowsExplorer Policy CSP — by Microsoft Learn
- Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office — by Microsoft Learn
- Source reviewed
- 2026-11-02
- Link checked
- 2026-11-02
- Tested hands-on
- Not by Oddbyte.Me
Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every Windows build, so keep the undo handy.