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Microsoft Disables File Explorer Previews for Internet Files to Block NTLM Credential Theft

The safeguard targets Mark of the Web items to curb NTLM hash exposure from auto‑rendered external references.

Overview

  • The change is live for systems that installed the October 14, 2025 Windows security updates, including Windows 11 and Windows Server.
  • Previews are blocked for files marked with Mark of the Web and for items on Internet Zone file shares, with a warning shown instead of content.
  • The mitigation addresses a tactic where selecting a file to preview can trigger HTML-based external requests that expose NTLM credentials without opening the file.
  • Users can re-enable previews for trusted content by unblocking individual files or by adding a file share to Trusted sites or the Local intranet zone, sometimes requiring a sign‑out and sign‑in.
  • Security coverage notes potential workflow friction and warns that routine unblocking or relaxed zone settings could weaken the protection in practice.