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Resolving SharePoint Security Warning in Excel
Resolving SharePoint Security Warning in Excel

Issue: When opening Excel files stored in SharePoint, users may encounter the following security warning in Microsoft Office: ...

Updated over a month ago


Issue: When opening Excel files stored in SharePoint, users may encounter the following security warning in Microsoft Office:

"This content presents a potential security issue. Do you trust this content?"


This warning typically appears when accessing Excel files via a button or link in Active Workpapers that point to SharePoint-hosted documents. The warning may appear even when the content is safe.

Steps to Resolve:

  1. Safe to Proceed: If the warning includes a trusted URL (such as an Active Workpapers SharePoint link), users can safely click Yes to proceed.

  2. Microsoft's Acknowledgement: This issue has been identified by Microsoft as a known false-positive security warning. It appears when Excel files are opened from SharePoint through integrations like Active Workpapers.

  3. Update Excel Version: Microsoft has resolved this issue in Excel version 2406 and higher. Encourage users to ensure they are using the latest version of Excel by following these steps:

    • Open any Office application (e.g., Excel).

    • Go to File > Account > Update Options.

    • Click Update Now to download and install the latest Office updates.

  4. Temporary Workaround (if unable to update):

    • Users can manually select Yes on the security warning to proceed each time they encounter it. This is safe for links generated by Active Workpapers.

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