How do I stop the “These files might be harmful” warning on Windows 10?

If you’re fed up with that annoying “Windows 10 these files might be harmful to your computer” warning, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve you can try.

First off: Tweak Your Internet Options

• Jump into your Control Panel.
• Click on “Network and Internet” and then hit “Internet Options.”
• Look for the “Security” tab and give it a click.
• Pick your network zone (usually “Local intranet”).
• Press the “Sites” button.
• Turn off the “Automatically detect intranet network” checkbox.
• You’ll want to check the boxes for “Include all local (intranet) sites not listed in other zones,” “Include all network paths (UNCs),” and “Include all sites that bypass the proxy server.”
• Tap “OK,” followed by “Apply” and “OK” once again, to seal the deal.

Up next: Group Policy (Best for Tech-Savvy Folks)

• Hit that Win + R combo and type in gpedit.msc, then press Enter.
• Head over to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Attachment Manager.
• Double-click on “Inclusion list for low file types.”
• Enable the policy and plug in the file types you use often (like .exe, .doc).
• Click “Apply” and “OK” to wrap it up.

And finally: Mess with the Registry (Proceed with Caution)

• Again, Win + R, type regedit, then Enter.
• Wander over to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Associations.
• Right-click in the right pane, go for “New,” then “String Value.”
• Call it LowRiskFileTypes.
• Double-click on this new string and pop in your safe file types (think .exe or .doc).
• Click “OK” and close out of there.

Heads up:

These tweaks mess with your security settings, so make sure you know what you’re doing before diving in. It’s a good idea to switch things back once you’ve handled your specific needs—better safe than sorry!

By following these steps, you’ll have that pesky warning out of your hair and your file management sailing smoothly on Windows 10.