What is the significance of PowerPoint’s "Protected View", while opening a downloaded file?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) It opens the file in a read-only mode, disabling most editing features

• Protected View is a security feature in Microsoft PowerPoint (and other Office applications) that opens downloaded or potentially unsafe files in a read-only mode.

• This prevents the execution of macros, ActiveX controls, and editing until the user explicitly chooses to "Enable Editing".

• It protects the system from malicious content embedded in Office files, especially those received via email or downloaded from the internet.

• Protected View is triggered when:

  • A file is downloaded from the internet.

  • It is received as an email attachment.

  • It resides in an unsafe location or was opened from OneDrive/shared folders.

• Files in Protected View display a yellow warning bar at the top with the "Enable Editing" option.

• Protected View settings can be managed via File → Options → Trust Center → Trust Center Settings.

• It does not mean the file is corrupted, but that it came from an untrusted source.