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When Windows Security finds a possible threat in a file or application that a user is trying to download or open, the alert “These files might be harmful to your computer” appears. This warning is meant to stop people from downloading or opening files that are harmful to their computers and could cause them to crash.
This warning can come up in a number of different situations, like when you download files from the internet, open files from an external device, or move files from one drive to another. Users may not be able to get to the files they need because of this warning, which can cause frustration and delays.
It’s important to know that Windows Security can sometimes give false positives and mark files as possible threats even if they are safe. This can happen if the file came from a place Windows Security doesn’t know about or if the file format isn’t one Windows Security knows how to handle. Before putting any solution into place, it’s best to carefully look at the file in question and make sure it’s safe to use. you can visit Microsoft support center for further help.
Fixed: “These Files Might Be Harmful to your computer”
Use the Local Group Policy Editor
- Open this editor via Windows 11/10 search box.
- Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer > Internet Control Panel > Security Page.
- Find Internet Zone Template, double-click it and choose Enabled.
- Set Intranet to Low and save the change.
- Double-click Site to Zone Assignment List from the right panel, click Enabled > Show to the Show Contents window and type the share’s IP address or site name with which you get the warning.
Change User Account Control Settings
- Press Win + R to open Run.
- Type control and click OK to open the Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel, click on Security and Maintenance.
- Here, click on the Change User Account Control Settings option in the left pane.
- In the new window that opens, drag the slider down to the third leve
- Click OK to save the changes.
Reset Your Windows Computer
“These Files Might Be Harmful to your computer”, If getting rid of Internet Explorer didn’t help or you don’t have it installed, try resetting Windows. It takes a long time because the Windows reset function will get rid of all your apps and force you to reinstall them.
You could also try to install Windows 11 without getting rid of your apps. If the problem keeps happening, you may have to do a clean install of Windows as a last resort. This will only work if the problem is with your operating system and not with the files or security settings.
Add Your IP Address to the Intranet Zone via Internet Properties
- Press Win + R to open Run.
- Type control and click OK to open Control Panel.
- In Control Panel, go to Network and Internet.
- Next, click on Internet Options.
- In the Internet Properties dialog, open the Security tab
- Next, select the Local intranet option and then click on the Sites button for Local intrane
- Click Close and OK to save the changes.In the new window, click on the Advanced button.In the Add this website to the zone field, you need to add your mapped IP address and click Add.
FAQ
What does it mean this file might be harmful?
This is just Microsoft’s way of letting users know that the particular type of file they’re trying to open could be harmful. This is because for example, viruses and malware typically come in the form of an executable file, which means that whenever Windows detects an unknown
How do I scan a harmful file?
Right-click the disk, folder, or file you want to scan. From the right-click menu, select Scan for viruses. Note: On Windows 11, select Show more options and then select Scan for viruses.
Can Windows Defender remove Trojan?
Windows Defender cannot remove all Trojans from your device. There may be additional steps you have to take to remove them. Make sure Windows Defender performs a virus scan. Type “Windows Security” in your search box and choose the “Virus & Threat Protection” option.