How Do I Stop Windows 11 From Warning Me About Network Files Being Dangerous?

Why Does Windows 11 Keep Saying My Network Files Are Harmful and How Can I Fix It?

I get it. You're working on your computer, trying to move files from one place to another, and Windows 11 keeps popping up with that annoying message: "These files might be harmful to your computer." It happens every single time you copy or move files across your network. It's frustrating, and it slows down everything you're trying to do.

Let me help you fix this problem once and for all. I've been dealing with Windows systems for years, and I know exactly why this happens and how to make it stop.

Why This Warning Shows Up

Windows 11 thinks it's protecting you. When you move files across a network, the system doesn't know if those files are safe or not. So it treats everything like it could be dangerous. Even if you're just moving files between computers in your own home or office, Windows still shows this warning.

The good news? You can turn it off. But first, make sure you trust the network you're working on. Don't do this if you're on public Wi-Fi or connecting to networks you don't control.

Method 1: Add Your Network to the Safe List

This is the easiest way to fix the problem. I'll walk you through it step by step.

1. Click on the Windows search bar
2. Type "Internet Options"
3. Click on it when it shows up
4. Click on the "Security" tab at the top
5. You'll see different zones listed
6. Click on "Local intranet"
7. Click the "Sites" button
8. Click "Advanced" in the new window that opens
9. Here's where you tell Windows which networks to trust:
   • If your network uses addresses like 192.168.1.something, type: 192.168.1.*
   • If you have a network drive with a name, type: \YourDriveName
   • If you use WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), add: wsl.localhost
10. Click "Add" after each one
11. Make sure "Include all network paths (UNCs)" is checked
12. If you see "Require server verification (https:)", uncheck it
13. Click "Close"
14. Click "OK" twice
15. Restart your computer or disconnect and reconnect your network drives

Method 2: Use Group Policy (For Pro and Enterprise Users)

If you have Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use this method:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type "gpedit.msc"
3. Press Enter
4. Go to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer > Internet Control Panel > Security Page
5. Find "Intranet Zone Template"
6. Double-click it and set it to "Enabled"
7. Choose "Low" from the dropdown
8. Find "Site to Zone Assignment List"
9. Set it to "Enabled"
10. Click "Show" and add your network addresses with a value of 1
11. Look for "Show security warning for potentially unsafe files"
12. Set it to "Enabled" and choose "Enable"
13. Close Group Policy Editor
14. Open Command Prompt and type: gpupdate /force
15. Or just restart your computer

Method 3: Registry Edit (Advanced Users Only)

I only recommend this if you're comfortable editing the Windows registry. Make a backup first.

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type "regedit"
3. Press Enter
4. Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Ranges
5. Create a new key and add these values:

   "*"=dword:00000001
   ":Range"="192.168.1.*" (or your network range)

6. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Important Things to Remember

Before you make these changes, think about security:

• Only do this on networks you trust completely
• Don't use these settings on public Wi-Fi
• If you work in an office, check with your IT team first
• These changes make your computer less cautious about network files

What to Do If It Still Doesn't Work

Sometimes the warning keeps showing up even after you make these changes. Here's what to try:

• Disconnect and reconnect your network drives
• Restart Windows Explorer (Ctrl+Shift+Esc, find Windows Explorer, restart it)
• Restart your computer completely
• Check that you added all your network addresses correctly

Getting rid of this warning makes working with network files much smoother. You won't have to click through annoying pop-ups every time you move a file. Just remember that you're trading some security for convenience.

I've used these methods on dozens of computers, and they work. The first method works for most people and is the safest to try. If you're not sure about something, start there.

Your file transfers will be faster and less annoying once you get this set up right. Just make sure you're only doing this on networks you trust, and you'll be good to go.