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How to Unblock a File That Came From Another Computer

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Written Bysysc.org Editorial Team
Published OnNovember 10, 2026
Reading Time5 Min Read
Quick Answer. Windows tags downloaded files with a Mark of the Web. Properties has an Unblock box that removes the tag. PowerShell unblocks every file in a folder. Unblock only files from a source you trust.

Why does Windows Block a File From Another Computer?

Windows adds a hidden tag called the Mark of the Web to files that come from the internet or from another PC. The tag tells Windows and Office to treat the file with care.

Windows then shows This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer in the file Properties. Microsoft explains the tag on its support page for files blocked by Windows.

MethodSuitsCost
File PropertiesOne fileFree
PowerShellMany files in a folderFree
Group PolicyAdmins who manage a PCFree
Office Protected ViewA Word or Excel fileFree

Heads Up. Unblock a file only when you trust the sender. The tag exists to protect your PC.

How do You Unblock One File in Properties?

Method #1: File Properties (Free)

Who it suits. Users with one or two blocked files. Extra application. None.

  1. Right click the file and select Properties.
  2. Open the General tab and find the security message at the bottom.
  3. Tick Unblock.
  4. Select Apply and then OK.

Scan the file with Microsoft Defender before you open it. Microsoft advises users to unblock only files from a trusted source. Windows removes the tag when you select Apply.

The Unblock box is absent when the file carries no tag.

Does a ZIP File Need Unblocking First?

Unblock the ZIP before you extract it. Extracted files inherit the tag from a blocked ZIP. You would unblock every one by hand.

  1. Right click the ZIP file and select Properties.
  2. Tick Unblock and select Apply.
  3. Extract the files after that.

The tip comes from user reports and not from Microsoft.

How can You Unblock Many Files at Once?

Method #2: PowerShell (Free)

Who it suits. Users with a folder full of blocked files. Extra application. Windows PowerShell.

  1. Right click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell.
  2. Type the command below. Replace the path with your folder.
  3. Press Enter and open one file to test it.
Get-ChildItem -Path C:\Downloads\Folder -Recurse | Unblock-File

The Unblock-File cmdlet removes the tag from every file. The tag returns when you download a file again. Microsoft documents the command on its Microsoft page for the PowerShell unblock cmdlet.

Use Unblock-File -Path C:\Downloads\file.zip for a single file.

What do You do When the Unblock Box Fails?

  • Clear the read only attribute on the file and try again. The guide for a read only disk explains the attribute.
  • Copy the file to a local folder. Network shares can block the edit.
  • Sign in as an administrator and repeat the steps.
  • Ask your admin when Group Policy blocks the edit.

Users report the message Error Applying Attributes in these cases. Microsoft lists no fix for it.

Can Group Policy Stop the Block for Every File?

Method #3: Group Policy (Free)

Who it suits. Admins who manage a trusted network. Extra application. Group Policy Editor.

  1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  2. Go to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components and Attachment Manager.
  3. Open Do not preserve zone information in file attachments.
  4. Select Enabled and select OK.

Group Policy applies the setting to every file that you download later.

The policy stops Windows from adding the tag to new downloads. The policy weakens your protection, so apply it only on a trusted network. Group Policy is absent from Windows Home, so use PowerShell there.

How do You Open a Blocked Office File With Macros?

Method #4: Unblock Before You Open (Free)

Use it when. You receive Word and Excel files from a trusted sender. Extra application. None.

Office blocks macros in a file that carries the tag. Close the file and unblock it in Properties with Method #1.

Open the file again after that. Macros in a file from an unknown sender remain dangerous, so decline them when you do not know the sender.

Where Else do You Go From Here?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows Say a File Came From Another Computer?

Windows adds a tag to files from the internet or from another PC. The tag triggers the message.

What Unblocks a Single File in Windows?

Right click the file, select Properties, tick Unblock on the General tab and select Apply.

Is It Safe to Unblock a File?

Unblock only a file from a source you trust. Scan it with Microsoft Defender first.

What Unblocks Many Files at Once?

Use the PowerShell unblock cmdlet with the Recurse switch on the folder.

Why is the Unblock Box Absent?

The file carries no tag, so Windows has nothing to remove.

Why Unblock the ZIP Before You Extract?

Yes. Extracted files inherit the tag from a blocked ZIP file.

Why does Office Block Macros in My File?

Office blocks macros in a file that carries the tag. Unblock the file first when you trust it.

Author's Verdict

Remove the tag only from files you trust. Use Properties for one file and PowerShell for a folder. Unblock a ZIP file before you extract it.

Use Group Policy only on a trusted network, because the policy weakens protection.

Key Takeaways

  • The tag causes the message.
  • Group Policy stops the tag on new downloads.
  • Unblock files from a trusted source only.
  • PowerShell unblocks an entire folder in one command.

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