Add a Trusted Network Location in Office 365

Adding a remote or network location as a trusted site in Microsoft Office 365 applications enables you to open files from these locations without subjecting them to the security checks of Protected View. This is particularly useful for files containing macros, data connections, or ActiveX controls from sources you know are safe. Here is a step-by-step guide to adding a trusted network location.

Problem

When opening files from a network share or remote server in Microsoft Office 365 applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), they open in Protected View or with security warnings. Content such as macros, data connections, or ActiveX controls may be blocked by default. Users need to manually enable content each time they open a file from a known safe network or remote location.

Resolution

To prevent files from a specific, secure network location from opening in Protected View, you can add the network path as a trusted location in the Office Trust Center. These settings are configured once and apply to all relevant Office applications.

Follow these steps to add a trusted network location:

  1. Open any Office Application (e.g., Word, Excel).
  2. Navigate to File > Options.
  3. In the Options window, select "Trust Center," then click the "Trust Center Settings" button.
  4. From the left-hand menu in the Trust Center window, select Trusted Locations.
  5. Enable Network Locations: You must first check the box labeled Allow Trusted Locations on my network (not recommended). Proceed only if you trust the network path you intend to add.
  6. Click the Add new location... button.
  7. In the dialog box that appears, enter the full network path in the "Path" field. Use the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of the server rather than a mapped drive letter or IP address.\\files.scs.illinois.edu\sharedfolder\
  8. (Optional) If you trust all folders within the path, check the box for Subfolders of this location are also trusted.
  9. Click OK to save the new location.
  10. Click OK to close the Trust Center and the Options windows.
  11. Restart Office Applications: Close all open Office programs and reopen them for the new settings to take effect.

    Keywords:
    ms office remote network location permission trusted center access word excel powerpoint security files documents share folder computer Microsoft 365 suite 
    Doc ID:
    151596
    Owned by:
    Francis M. in School of Chemical Sciences
    UIUC
    Created:
    2025-06-10
    Updated:
    2025-06-10
    Sites:
    University of Illinois School of Chemical Sciences