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jctech2025
Known Participant
October 22, 2025
Question

File preview in Windows 11

  • October 22, 2025
  • 24 replies
  • 37784 views

Hi All,

 

I saw other threads on this issue where no one can preview PDF files in Window Explorer.  I did a bit of troubleshooting and notice that is it only PDF files.  Even after reinstalling I still get the same results for all the staff members: 

The file you are attempting to preview could harm your computer.  If you trust the file and the source you received it from, open it to view it’s contents.

 

Where would this be coming from?

 

 

    24 replies

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    Meenakshi_Negi
    Meenakshi_Negi
    Legend
    October 22, 2025

    Hi jctech2025,

     

    Thank you for reaching out, and sorry about the trouble caused.

     

    As the user gets an error message when opening files in preview, please check if the files are saved locally. Also, check if it happens with all PDFs. Try creating a new test PDF and then trying to open it in preview.

    We would require more information to investigate this behaviour further. If you can share the screen recording, we can try replicating this issue. 

    Please share the Acrobat and OS version in use.

     

    Thanks,

    Meenakshi

      bhavik_9588
      bhavik_9588
      Participant
      March 21, 2026

      I am surprised noone responded to this thread.

      The problem is really annoying.  ​@Meenakshi Negi The error comes from external PDF files received from outside sources like Email, google drive, One drive etc.  No errors on locally created file.  the problem still persists even after 4 months of this thread and no official solution provided.  Horrible Microsoft .. 
      Microsoft 11

       

      Tariq Dar
      Legend
      March 23, 2026

      Hi ​@bhavik_9588, 

       

      Sorry for the delayed response.
       

      If your question is related to the original post, which seems to be the case, and as you may be aware, this issue is mainly due to a Microsoft-induced change in the operating system: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/file-explorer-automatically-disables-the-preview-feature-for-files-downloaded-from-the-internet-56d55920-6187-4aae-a4f6-102454ef61fb 

       

      Let us know if that answers your question. It is directly linked to your issue when you are dealing with files received from external sources, such as email, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc. No errors on locally created file. 

      ~Tariq

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