How to fix
“Your Internet security settings prevented one or more files from being opened” error
on Windows

Hello. When I try to open a specific app I receive the "Your Internet security settings prevented one or more files from being opened" on my Windows computer. What should I do?

Microsoft has implemented a professional advanced antivirus in their operating systems known as Windows Security.[ref en-1] It is meant to defend against today’s cyber threats. It is also regularly updated by Microsoft. It also makes it easier for users to view and control the security protections they choose and better understand the security features already protecting them.

Windows Security is also responsible for scanning downloaded files. It decides if the applications are safe and if not - it blocks them from being opened or puts them in quarantine. Recently, some users reported a "Your Internet security settings prevented one or more files from being opened" error in Windows.

This message prevented people from opening files, folders, or applications. Most of the time, the error message appeared after users upgraded to a newer Windows version. During the installation of Windows, some settings configurations can get lost, although it is unknown if this is why the issue appears.

In this guide, you will find 5 steps that should help you fix "Your Internet security settings prevented one or more files from being opened" error in Windows. Keep in mind that manual troubleshooting can become a lengthy process. Instead, you can use a maintenance tool like [d1] that can automatically fix various system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Method 1. Reconfigure Internet Settings

• Press the Windows Key + X
• Click on the Command prompt (Admin)
• Type the following commands, and hit Enter after each one:

netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled
netsh int tcp set global rss=enabled
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

• Restart your computer and check if the issue is solved

Method 2. Reset Internet Options

• Search for Internet Options and open it
• Click on the Advanced tab
• Locate and click on the Restore advanced settings button
• Next, go to the Security tab and click on Reset all zones to default level button

• Click on Apply and then OK to save the settings

Method 3. Check Internet Zone Settings

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box
• Type inetcpl.cpl and hit Enter to open Internet Properties
• Switch to Security tab
• Click on the Custom level button
• In the Security Settings – Internet Zone panel that opens, scroll down to the Miscellaneous section
• Set the radio button for the Launching applications and unsafe files setting to Prompt (recommended) option

• Click OK and Apply to save changes
• Finally, click OK to exit Internet Properties and check if the issue is resolved

Method 4. Disable SmartScreen Filter

• Open Windows Security, then go to App & browser control

• To turn it off for Apps, under Reputation-based protection, you will see 3 options:

Check apps and files

SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge

SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps

• You can toggle the switches to the Off positions as required
• Check if the issue is resolved

Method 5. Manually Allow Blocked File or App

• Open Windows Security on your computer
• Go to Virus & threat protection tab
• Click on the Protection history option

• Choose an app that you want to allow
• Click on the Yes button in UAC prompt
• Click on the Actions button
• Choose Allow on device option
• Click the Yes button