Table of Contents
- Why Can’t I Open Certain Links in OneNote? Simple Fixes for the “Blocked by Administrator” Error!
- Why Is OneNote Blocking Folder Links?
- Simple Ways to Work Around the Block
- Solution 1. Copy and Paste the Folder Link in File Explorer
- Solution 2. Try a Different App or Add-In for Folder Links
- Solution 3. Update or Roll Back (for Advanced Users)
- Solution 4. Use Commands to Update Office
- What If Nothing Works?
Why Can’t I Open Certain Links in OneNote? Simple Fixes for the “Blocked by Administrator” Error!
If OneNote suddenly blocks you from opening links to folders and says, “Your administrator has blocked your ability to open this file type in OneNote,” you’re not alone. Many people noticed this after updates like KB5002714 or other recent Windows/Office patches. This error often appears when you click a link pointing to a folder, not a specific file.
- This problem is usually with links to folders, not individual files.
- OneNote is blocking them, even though folders don’t have file extensions.
- The change comes from Microsoft’s security updates made to protect your computer, but it can feel restricting or annoying.
- Microsoft is working on a permanent fix, but there is no official solution yet.
Why Is OneNote Blocking Folder Links?
Microsoft rolled out stronger controls in OneNote to stop attacks from harmful files and links. Over 120 file types (like .exe, .bat, .lnk, .cmd, etc.) are blocked by default, following the same rules as Outlook and other Office apps. But folder links are being accidentally blocked, even if they are safe.
Simple Ways to Work Around the Block
You do not need special skills to get around this problem for now. Try these:
Solution 1. Copy and Paste the Folder Link in File Explorer
- Right-click the folder link in OneNote.
- Choose “Copy Link.”
- Open File Explorer.
- Paste the link into the address bar and press Enter.
This lets you open the folder directly, skipping OneNote’s block.
Solution 2. Try a Different App or Add-In for Folder Links
Use a OneNote add-in like “Local Explorer” or “Gem for OneNote.” These tools let you open folder links through the right-click menu “Open link with” option.
Some browser extensions can also help open local folder links by sending them to File Explorer.
Solution 3. Update or Roll Back (for Advanced Users)
Sometimes, uninstalling the latest update (like KB5002714) fixes the issue, but this might reduce your security. Think carefully before you try this.
Check for newer Office updates; Microsoft may release a patch soon.
Solution 4. Use Commands to Update Office
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run these lines if using Click-to-Run Office:
cd %programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun OfficeC2RClient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.17531.20152
Only use this if you know how to manage Office updates—it changes your Office version and may help if an update caused the block.
What If Nothing Works?
Microsoft is aware of the problem and is actively investigating. They are expected to fix it in a future update. For now, copying and pasting the link into File Explorer is the safest method.
The block does not affect OneNote on the web, on Mac, Android, iOS, or the old “OneNote for Windows 10” app—only the newer OneNote for Windows apps are affected.
Feeling blocked can be frustrating. These workarounds let you keep moving forward while waiting for Microsoft’s official solution. You’re taking smart steps to stay productive!