How to Always open PDF files in protected view in MS Word [Steps]

Tips to Always open PDF files in protected view in MS Word:

In this post, we are going to discuss on How to Always open PDF files in protected view in MS Word. You are provided with easy steps/methods to do so. Let’s starts the discussion.

‘Always open PDF files in protected view in MS Word’:

‘MS Word’: MS Word/Microsoft Word is word processing software designed & developed by Microsoft. It is available as stand-alone application or as part of Microsoft Office suite. It contains rudimentary desktop publishing capabilities and is the most widely used word processing program on the market. Microsoft Word version 2010 allows customization of Ribbon, adds a Backstage view for file management, has improved document navigation, allows creation and embedding of screenshots, integrates with online services like Microsoft OneDrive.

When you open a PDF file in Word/MS Word, it normally opens so that you can edit the document immediately after opening it.  However, if you don’t want to edit the PDF document in MS Word, then you can always open PDF files in Protected View in MS Word which helps you block any macros from running right after opening the file in Word. If you are not aware, Protected View is read-only mode where most editing functions are disabled.

When you see the message in Protected View that says “Be careful – files from the Internet can contain viruses. Unless you need to edit, it’s safer to stay in Protected View”, the file is being opened from the internet. Files from internet can have viruses and other harmful content embedded in them. So, it is recommended you only edit the document if you trust its contents. If you are looking for ways to Always open PDF files in protected view in MS Word, then you are in right-place for this. Let’s go for the steps.

How to Always open PDF files in protected view in MS Word?

Step 1: Open MS Word/Microsoft Word in Windows computer and click ‘Office’ button at top-left corner, and click ‘Options’

Step 2: Go to ‘Trust Center’ tab and click ‘Trust Center Settings’ button

Step 3: Go to ‘File Block Settings’ tab and tick ‘Open selected files type in Protected View’. If so, tick ‘Open’ checkbox next to ‘PDF files’.

Step 4: Finally, click ‘Ok’ to save the changes.

How to Always open PDF files in protected view in MS Word using Group Policy Editor?

Step 1: Press ‘Windows + R’ keys on keyboard type ‘gpedit.msc’ in ‘Run’ window and hit ‘Ok’ button to open ‘Group Policy Editor’ app and go to following path

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Word 2016 > Word Options > Security > Trust Center > File Block Settings

Step 2: Double-click ‘Office Open XML converters for Word’ setting to open its Properties. Choose ‘Enabled’ radio button, expand the dropdown list and choose ‘Open in Protected View’ option.

Step 3: Hit ‘Ok’ button to save the changes, and then restart MS Word app and check if it works.

How to Always open PDF files in protected view in MS Word via Registry Editor app?

Step 1: Press ‘Windows + R’ keys on keyboard, type ‘regedit’ in ‘Run’ window and hit ‘Ok’ button to open ‘Registry Editor’ app and go to following path

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\word

Step 2: Right-click Microsoft key and select ‘New > Key’ and name the key to ‘Office’, repeat the same steps to create all other keys.

Step 3: Now, right-click ‘Word’ and select ‘New > Key’ and name the key to ‘Security’

Step 4: Under ‘Security’ sub key, right-click on empty space in right-pane and select ‘New > DWORD (32-bit) value’ and name the value to ‘oozmlconverters’

Step 5: Double-click on it to set Value Data to ‘4’ and click ‘Ok’ button to save the changes. Once done, restart your computer and check if it works.

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Conclusion

I am sure this post helped you on How to Always open PDF files in protected view in MS Word with easy ways. You can read & follow our instructions to do so. That’s all. For any suggestions or queries, please write on comment box below.