How can I stop Excel and Word hanging when trying to open documents in Protected View

windows-10 microsoft-excel microsoft-office microsoft-word

I have recently started encountering a problem with my Office 2016 installation on Windows 10 where any attempt to open Word or Excel documents in Protected View cause the application to hang indefinitely before the document is opened.

This happens with documents which I have received by e-mail or downloaded from the Internet.

I can copy these files to a folder and 'Unblock' them by editing the properties, or (as many, many other websites suggest) I could disable Protected View altogether.

However - Protected View is obviously there for a reason, so I'd rather resolve the problem than simply turn off the protection!


Solution 1:

In my case it was due to using a docking station (Targus ACP71EU) where the driver from DisplayLink was the culprit.

Temporary work-around to fix the issue: In any Office application go to File > Options > Advanced > Display and check "Disable hardware graphics acceleration".

According to DisplayLink's support forum and my experience the problem should was solved in version 7.9M4 of the software.

Related

Search term in specific line in multiple files
Question About Diagramming
Can object pronouns and possessive pronouns be used side by side without a preposition? [duplicate]
Confusing syntax in sentences with indirect object complements
Is it still an indirect object if you're taking something away?
One word for having the right to rule on a case before anyone else
What's a better way to say, "I picked up many interesting facts/points..."
Adjective after the preposition "beyond"
Does "Any of" mean "one of" or "all of"?
Looking for the inverse -- not the opposite -- of "zero-sum game"
"Internet" or "The Internet"
The way which you should hold them