Quick Guide: Turning Word Into a Reader-Only Application for Email Content

Microsoft Word comes with a lot of security features that protect your computer from malicious files. One of these options allows you to open all email attachments in Word’s reading view by default.

If you want an extra layer of protection against email attachments, there are several ways to always open attached Word documents in reading view on Windows. Let’s go over them one by one.

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1. How to Change Microsoft Word Startup Settings to Always Open Email Attachments in Reading View

You can modify Word’s startup settings to specify how your documents are handled. From there, you can set Word to open all email attachments in reading mode by default. Here’s how:

1. Open Microsoft Word on your PC using the search menu.
2. Click theFile menu in the top left corner.
3. SelectOptions from the left pane. This will open theWord Options window.
4. In theGeneral tab, scroll down toStart up options .
5. Check the box that reads Open e-mail attachments and other uneditable files in reading view and click onOK .
   

Once you complete the above steps, Word will open email attachments in reading view by default.

2. How to Change the Local Group Policy to Open Email Attachments in Reading View in Microsoft Word

Another way to configure Word to open email attachments in reading view is to use the Group Policy Editor. It’s worth noting that you can only access the Group Policy Editor if you’re running the Professional, Education, or Enterprise edition of Windows. If you’re on Windows Home, be sure to check outhow to access the Local Group Policy Editor on Windows Home before continuing.

1. Click the magnifying icon on the taskbar or pressWin + S to open the search menu.
2. Typegpedit.msc in the box and select the first result that appears. This willopen the Local Group Policy Editor .
3. Use the left pane to navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Word 2016 > Word Options > General .
4. Double-click theOpen e-mail attachments in Reading View policy on your right.
5. Select theEnabled option.
6. HitApply followed byOK .
   

3. How to Tweak the Windows Registry to Open Email Attachments in Reading View in Microsoft Word

The Registry Editor in Windows stores important settings for Windows and its apps. If you’re comfortable editing registry files, you can also use the following method to configure Word to open email attachments in reading view.

Since modifying registry files is risky, you should proceed with caution. Also, make sure you back up all the registry files first. If you need help, refer to our guide onhow to back up and restore the Windows registry and follow the steps outlined there.

Once you’ve done that, here’s what you need to configure Word to open email attachments in reading view.

1. PressWin + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Typeregedit in the text box and pressEnter to open the Registry Editor.
3. SelectYes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
4. Use the left pane to navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Office > 16.0 > Word > Options .
5. Right-click on theOptions key and selectNew > DWORD (32-bit) Value . Name itAutoReadingMode .
6. Double-click the newly created DWORD and set theValue data to1 .
7. ClickOK .
   

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Restart your PC for the changes to take effect. Following that, Word will open all your email attachments in reading view.

Opening Email Attachments in Microsoft Word’s Reading View

Email remains a prominent attack vector for hackers and cybercriminals. Configuring Microsoft Word to open email attachments in reading view is just one of many methods for avoiding malware. Another option is to check suspicious files for malware before opening them.

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