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Insane "These files might be harmful to your computer" when opening or moving my own files on my own computer!

Loren Moss 0 Reputation points
2025-10-28T18:28:02.75+00:00

I am now on Windows 11, fearing that I would have a whole new set of maddening problems, and it turns out to be the case. I have Windows 11 Professional, and I cannot open most files on the computer, or do something simple like moving a photograph from my desktop to a folder, without getting a crazy "These files may be harmful to your computer" warning. I am not an idiot. I don't need to be warned moving a jpg file from one folder on my computer to another!

Similarly, if I copy a web link to my desktop or somewhere else and try to open it, it says "Do you want to open this file?" Well of course I do. That is why I am clicking on it! This is maddening to the point where I want to return to Windows 10.

Importantly, the typical settings like in Internet Security don't seem to have any effect at all.

I have a new Windows 11 Professional computer with 2 internal SSD drives, 2 external drives, and a NAS. This problem happens even if not using external drives, though I don't want those warnings there, either. I am the only user of my computer.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. Rez 5,345 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-28T19:51:06.1733333+00:00

    Hi Loren,

    Thanks for reaching out. I really understand your frustration about these features added in Windows 11. This is designed as a part of improved security but they can feel overbearing, especially when you're the only user and just trying to move your files.

    To reduce the number of security warnings you see:

    1. Turn off SmartScreen for local files in Windows Security under App & browser control, then Reputation-based protection settings. You can also disable unwanted app blocking if it’s on.
    2. For individual files or folders, right-click, select Properties, and click Unblock if the option is available.
    3. In Internet Options, under the Security tab, add your local drives to the Local intranet zone. Adjust the Launching applications and unsafe files setting in Custom level.
    4. Disable OneDrive integration in Settings under Accounts, then Windows backup and turn off Remember my apps and OneDrive folder backup. You can also unlink OneDrive from the system tray icon.

    Let me know how it goes. Happy to help.

    Regards,

    Rez

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  2. Loren Moss 0 Reputation points
    2025-10-28T20:12:55.8066667+00:00

    Thank you for your prompt response.

    1. In Windows Security / App & Browser Control, I have disabled all Reputation-based protection, including SmartScreen.
    2. under properties, I have never seen such an unblock option on my computer.
    3. In the Local Internet Zone, it only accepts adding websites, and is rejecting drives such as B:, D: etc.
    4. I have turned off Remember My Apps. I disabled OneDrive upon initial system configuration, and it is "Not syncing" as I desire.

    I will now restart my computer out of good measure, but so far, no dice.

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  3. Loren Moss 0 Reputation points
    2025-10-28T20:24:35.8966667+00:00

    It does not work. I just restarted, and when I went to copy a .jpg photo from my desktop to my pictures folder, I got Windows Security: "These files might be harmful to your computer. Your internet security settings suggest that one or more files may be harmful Do you want to use it anyway?"

    Warning on everything on a computer doesn't protect anyone or anything. It just annoys people and tempts them to switch to alternative operating systems in the market.

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