Effective Immediately
Windows 25H2 update has disabled the File Explorer preview pane for certain files. This change was made by Microsoft to protect your computer and our entire network from serious security risks.
Why Was This Change Made?
- Previewing files can leak login information. When the preview pane loads, Windows may try to connect to external servers, sending parts of your login credentials without your knowledge.
- Attacks can happen without opening the file. Simply selecting a file with preview enabled can trigger an attack.
- Real-world exploits exist. Hackers have used preview panes to run malicious code or steal credentials. Microsoft disabled this feature because it was a proven security risk.
Why You Should NOT Turn It Back On
Re-enabling the preview pane could:
- Put your account and the entire network at risk.
- Allow attackers to steal credentials and gain access to sensitive data.
- Lead to malware infections and system-wide compromise.
What To Do Instead
- If you trust a file and need to view its contents, open it in its application (e.g., Word or Excel) after confirming it is safe.
- Do not re-enable preview for all files or folders.
Bottom Line: This change is a critical security measure. Turning the preview pane back on could jeopardize the security of our network and all data. Please keep this feature disabled.
For questions or assistance, contact the IT department.
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