Unblock all files in a folder at once by removing the “downloaded from the internet” flag (Zone.Identifier). Here are the best ways—pick what fits your comfort level.

Latiful Hayat

✅ Method 1: PowerShell (Fastest & Recommended)

This only affects files in the folder you choose.

Steps:

  1. Open the folder containing the PDFs
  2. Hold Shift + Right-click inside the folder
  3. Click Open PowerShell window here (or Open in Terminal)
  4. Run:
Get-ChildItem *.pdf | Unblock-File

Include subfolders:

Get-ChildItem *.pdf -Recurse | Unblock-File

✔ Safe
✔ Reversible per file
✔ No system-wide changes

✅ Method 2: Command Prompt (Alternate)

Also works, slightly more low-level.

  1. Open Command Prompt in the folder
  2. Run:
for %i in (*.pdf) do streams -d %i

🔹 Requires Sysinternals streams.exe
🔹 Less recommended unless you already use it

⚠️ Method 3: Disable Blocking for All Downloads (Not Recommended)

This stops Windows from blocking any downloaded file.

Registry:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments

Set:

  • SaveZoneInformation = 1

❌ Reduces security for all file types

🛡️ What This Does (In Simple Terms)

  • Windows adds a hidden Zone.Identifier to downloaded files
  • Unblock-File removes it
  • Preview Pane and double-click open normally

✅ Best Practice

✔ Use PowerShell per folder
❌ Avoid global disabling unless on a controlled machine