Security Warnings - Images were turned off

1. What does the message mean: “Some data type images were turned off because they require a connection to an external source”?

This warning appears when Excel blocks the display of images that are part of Linked Data Types (e.g., stock logos, property images, company symbols). These images are hosted on the internet and require an external connection to Microsoft’s data services.

Excel disables them by default for security reasons, especially when:

• The file is from the internet (opened in Protected View).

• Trust settings prevent Excel from connecting to external content.

• External content is blocked by group policy or firewall rules.

2. Do these images pose a security risk?

Not inherently. These images come from trusted Microsoft data sources, but Excel's general policy is to block all external content unless the file is explicitly trusted. This precaution protects against malicious files that could use external links to steal data or harm your system.

3. How can I get the images to display properly?

Option 1: Enable Content

1. Open the Excel file.

2. Look for a Security Warning bar under the ribbon.

3. Click “Enable Content” to allow external connections.

This will reload the data type content and show images like company logos or map thumbnails.

Option 2: Unblock the File (if downloaded)

1. Close the file.

2. Right-click the file in File Explorer.

3. Choose Properties.

4. In the General tab, if you see a message that the file is blocked, check “Unblock”, then click Apply.

Then reopen the file and enable content if prompted.

4. How can I allow images automatically for known good files?

Add the File’s Location as Trusted:

1. In Excel, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations.

2. Click “Add new location” and point to the folder where the file is stored.

Files opened from trusted locations will load images and data type content without showing security warnings.

5. What if I still don’t see images after unblocking and enabling content?

A few things to check:

• Internet Connection: The images require a live connection to Microsoft’s servers.

• Firewall/Proxy: Some enterprise environments block Excel’s access to external services.

• Excel Version: Make sure you're using Microsoft 365 or a version that supports Linked Data Types.

• Content is stale: Try refreshing the data type (right-click the cell > Data Type > Refresh).

6. Can IT departments manage image content behavior for everyone?

Yes. Using Group Policy or Microsoft Intune, administrators can:

• Allow external content from specific domains.

• Configure Trusted Locations.

• Disable Protected View for certain document origins.
  This is useful for enabling Data Types at scale across a secure enterprise environment.

7. Is there a way to force a refresh of images?

Yes. After ensuring trust settings are correct:

• Select the cells using the data types.

• Right-click > Data Type > Refresh.

• Images should reappear once Excel connects to the external source.

8. Final Tip: Ensure Files Are Stored in Trusted Cloud Locations

Storing files in OneDrive, SharePoint, or Teams can help reduce trust friction. Files opened from these locations are often auto-trusted by Excel, assuming the user is signed in and the domain is recognized.