Here’s an example where I’ve created a folder named SafeFiles in my Documents folder. If you know you’ll be downloading a set of safe files, you can create a new folder on your Windows machine. Trusted Locations are file directories that Microsoft considers to be secure. You’ll see “Trusted Locations” near the top of the left pane. There is a safer option available in the Trust Center. And later, you mistakenly download a file that contains a virus. The danger with disabling the Protected View options is that you may forget to re-enable them. Trusted Locations – An Alternative To Disabling Protected View I get better results with disabling the first option that deals with files originating from the Internet. However, I haven’t found that this works. It should stop protecting files that are in your Internet downloads folder.

This can also be used when you’re downloading from a file service.

The middle option refers to files located in “ potentially unsafe locations”. Otherwise, it doesn’t seem to affect the next file you open. I advise that you close the Excel application completely after you’ve changed the settings.

Enable Protected View for Outlook attachments.

If you are working with files sent via Outlook email, then disable the third option.

Enable Protected View for files originating from the Internet.

If you are working with files downloaded from a cloud-based or other online file service, then you only need to disable the first option. You should disable the minimum number of options for your needs. I don’t advise that you just disable all three without some thought.

The Protected View page has three settings that are enabled by default.

Excel open in protected view