Microsoft disables File Explorer feature for specific file types, here’s the reason

Microsoft disables File Explorer feature for specific file types, here’s the reason

Microsoft Enhances Security with October 2025 Update for Windows 11

This month, Microsoft unveiled its October 2025 security update for Windows 11, introducing critical changes to how File Explorer interacts with files obtained from the internet. Notably, the preview feature for these files has been disabled due to pressing security concerns, as detailed in a newly released support document from the tech giant.

Understanding the Security Implications

According to Microsoft, the decision to disable file preview stems from a significant vulnerability that could potentially expose NTLM hashes when handling potentially unsafe files. Specifically, if a user attempts to preview a file containing HTML tags that link to external sources, it could allow malicious actors to capture sensitive information, including user credentials. To address this issue, the preview feature is now disabled by default for files marked with the “Mark of the Web, ”effectively safeguarding users from this vulnerability.

The file you are attempting to preview could harm your computer. If you trust the file and the source you received it from, open it to view its contents.

How to Handle Files from the Internet

For those who trust a file and its source, it is still possible to bypass this restriction. Users can remove the “Mark of the Web”by right-clicking the file, selecting “Properties, ”and then clicking “Unblock.”Importantly, this change does not hinder the ability to open downloaded files or disrupt any other workflows.

Broad Impact Across Windows Versions

This update affects multiple platforms, including Windows 11, Windows Server 2012, Server 2012 R2, Server 2016, Server 2019, Server 23H2, and Server 2025. However, it should be noted that Windows 10 is excluded from these changes and remains unsupported unless users opt into the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The ESU program provides 12 months of security-only updates, and business customers have the option to pay Microsoft for up to three additional years of these updates.

Further Information

For those looking for more details on this File Explorer change, refer to Microsoft’s support article here (KB5070960).

For additional insights, check out the source.

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