Excel Protected View Message: Office Has Detected a Problem with This File – 4 Solutions

In the image below, Excel is showing the protected view message “Office has detected a problem with this file.”

There can be several reasons for Excel showing this alert:

• Obtaining flies from untrustworthy sources.
• The file is password-protected or has the Protected View option enabled.
• It was opened from a different OneDrive storage location.
• The file contains potential viruses.
• A file blocker is preventing you from accessing the file.
• Excel flags the file as invalid and prompts you to validate it.

Solution 1 – Alter Excel Protected View Settings

Disable the Excel Protected View option.

Step 1: Go to the Options

• Click the File tab and go to Home.
• Select  More and click Options.

Step 2: Use the Excel Options

• Select Trust Center.
• Click Trust Center Settings.

Step 3: Disable Protected View 

• Click Protected View.
• Uncheck “Enable protected view for files originating from the internet”.
• Click OK.

Read More: [Fixed] Excel Protected View Editing This File Type Is Not Allowed

Solution 2 – Check the Latest Version of Microsoft Excel to Update Features

Steps:

• Go to the File tab.
• Click  Account.
• In Update Options, click Update Now.

Read More: [Fixed] Excel Cannot Open in Protected View

Solution 3 – Use the Control Panel to Repair Microsoft Excel

Step 1: Find the Programs

• In Windows Start Menu, choose Control Panel.

• In Programs, click Uninstall a program.

Step 2: Select the Application

• Double-click Microsoft 365-en-us.
• Click Change and select Repair.

Read More: How to Remove Protected View in Excel

Solution 4 – Add a New Location to Place the File

Step 1: Go to Excel Options

• Go to Home in File
• Click Options.

Step 2: Use the Excel Options

• Select Trust Center.
• Click Trust Center Settings.

Step 3: Enable the Trust Location

• Choose Trust Locations.
• Select “Allow Trusted Locations on my network (not recommended) option.”
• Click Add new location.

⇒ Step 4: Browse a Location

• Click Browse to select a folder.

Read More: [Solved]: Excel Opening in Protected View Stuck

Download Practice Workbook

Download the practice workbook to exercise.

Related Articles

• Cannot Edit Excel File in Protected View
• How to Enable Editing in Excel Protected View

<< Go Back to Excel Files | Learn Excel