Windows Security: These Files Can’t Be Opened [Best 9 Solutions]

Did you just encounter the Windows Security error, these files cant be opened? We explore it with you and recommend the best fixes.

In today’s digital age, Windows operating systems have become an integral part of our daily lives, both in our personal and professional environments.

With the increasing use of computers, laptops, and mobile devices, there is a growing need for robust security measures to protect sensitive data from cyber threats.

Errors can be costly, so in this article, we will discuss the various causes of this error and explore some of the best solutions.

Why won’t my Windows let me open a file?

There are many reasons for the Windows Security error, these files cant be opened, and some of them include:

• The file is corrupted: If the file you are trying to open is corrupt, Windows may be unable to open it. This can happen for several reasons, such as incomplete downloads, transfer errors, or malware infections.
• Incorrect file extension: If the file extension is incorrect or missing, Windows may be unable to identify the file type and may not know which program to use to open it.
• Missing software: If the software required to open the file is not installed on your system, Windows may be unable to open it.
• Permission issues: If you do not have sufficient permissions to access the file, Windows may prevent you from opening it. This can happen if the file is located in a system directory or is protected by file-level permissions.
• Hardware issues: If the hard drive or storage media where the file is located is faulty, Windows may be unable to access the file.

Now that we know some of the common causes of this problem let us explore some solutions to solve the problem.

How do you bypass these files can’t be opened?

1. Change your internet options

1. Hold the Windows + R button to open the Run dialogue box, type inetcpl.cpl, and hit Enter.
   
2. Secondly, in the Internet Properties Window, click on the Security tab and the Custom level button.
   
3. In the Security Settings window, under the Settings section, scroll down and look for the Launching applications and unsafe files option.
4. Then, under the Launching applications and unsafe files option, click the radio button for Prompt.
   
5. Check to see if the problem has been resolved.

2. Modify Windows Registry

1. Hold Windows + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter simultaneously to open the command prompt as an administrator.
   
2. Then in the command prompt, enter the command below one after the other.
   reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Associations" /v "DefaultFileTypeRisk" /t REG_DWORD /d "1808" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments" /v "SaveZoneInformation" /t REG_DWORD /d "1" /f
   
3. This process will add two new registry keys.
4. Finally, restart your system and check if the problem has been fixed.

3. Use another app to open files

One possible solution to the Windows security error; these files can’t be opened, is to try opening the file with a different application. Windows may associate that file type with a specific application when you try to open a file. For example, a PDF file might be associated with Adobe Reader.

So, if that application is not functioning properly or there is an issue with the file association, you may encounter an error message.

Using another app to open the file, you can bypass the association with the problematic application and potentially open the file successfully.

4. Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall

1. Type control in the search bar below and select Control Panel.
   
2. Secondly, select Windows Defender Firewall from the list of options.
   
3. Next, choose the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option.
   
4. Then, select the radio buttons next to the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall option.
   
5. Finally, click the OK button.

5. Rename the file

Renaming the file can sometimes help resolve the “Windows Security: These Files Can’t Be Opened” error. When you encounter this error, it typically means that Windows has detected a security risk associated with the file and has prevented it from being opened to protect your computer.

One possible reason why this error occurs is that the file name may contain special characters, such as punctuation or symbols, that Windows do not recognize.

Therefore, by renaming the file, you can remove any special characters causing the issue and create a new file name that Windows will recognize.

6. Update your Operating System

1. Hold the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open the Settings option, then select Update & Security.
   
2. Then in the Windows Update pane, click the Check for updates button.
   
3. If any update is available, download and install them on your device.
4. Finally, check to see if the problem has been resolved.

7. Run the application as an administrator

1. Look for the application giving the error.
2. Right-click the application and hit Run as administrator.
   
3. Finally, check to see if the problem has been solved. If it works, you must repeat this method whenever you want to open the application.

8. Create a new user account

1. Hold the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings and choose Accounts.
   
2. On the left pane, choose Family & other users.
   
3. Then select Add someone else to this PC on the right side of your screen.
   
4. Next, choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
   
5. Pick Add a user without a Microsoft account.
   
6. Input the name and password of your new account, then select Next.
   
7. After completing this process, log in with your new account and check if the problem has been fixed.

9. Use System Restore point

1. Hold the Windows + R keys simultaneously to launch the Run dialogue box, type rstrui and hit Enter.
   
2. In the System Restore window, click the radio button next to Choose a different restore point and select Next.
   
3. In the next window, tick the box next to Show more restore points.
   
4. Choose a restore point from before you started experiencing the Windows security error, these files can’t be opened, and click Next.
   
5. Once you confirm your selection, hit the Finish button to start the restore process.
   
6. After the restore, check to see if the problem has been fixed.

In conclusion, following the steps listed in this article will resolve the Windows security these files cant be opened error and get your system up and running in no time.

The steps in this article have not been arranged in any particular order, so try as many solutions as possible until you find one that works for you.

Tell us in the comment section below which solutions worked best for you.