Microsoft’s File Explorer Blocks Internet Previews: A Security Win or Workflow Wrecker?
Microsoft’s File Explorer now blocks previews for files from the Internet to thwart credential theft. Files with the Mark of the Web are affected, displaying a warning about potential harm. From October 2025, security updates will automatically enable this protection, though trusted files can be manually unblocked. User convenience meets security—like peanut butter meeting jelly.
Hot Take:
File Explorer’s taken a vow of digital chastity, refusing to show a little leg to files from the Internet until they’ve proven their good intentions. It’s basically the digital version of telling your computer, “Don’t talk to strangers!”
Key Points:
- File Explorer now blocks previews for files downloaded from the Internet.
- The change is already live with the latest Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 and Windows Server.
- Only files marked with the Mark of the Web (MotW) are affected.
- This move aims to prevent credential theft via NTLM hash leaks.
- Users can manually unblock files, but it may require a system sign-out.
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