Google Chrome (version 142) and Microsoft Edge (version 143) are introducing a new browser security feature requiring users to approve or block local network access. This change will impact Box Tools, which relies on local network connections to provide “Open in Desktop,” secure logins, and digital signature capabilities. Learn more about affected features from Box Support.

Impact

IT Services has tested this functionality and is automatically accepting the request from Box for all managed devices to ensure continued access and reduce user disruption.

Selecting Accept will allow Box to use local network access solely for authentication. Box does not access or read information from other devices on your local network. If users select Block when prompted, certain Box Tools features may stop working. This may include:

• The Open in Desktop feature failing to launch files
• Device Trust login errors
• Digital signature functionality disruptions

Recommended Actions for IT Administrators

To prevent service interruptions, IT administrators should configure browsers to automatically allow Box domains for local network access before these updates take effect.

Configuration Steps

1. Open the Google Admin Console.
2. Navigate to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Users & Browsers > Security > Local Network Access
3. Add the following domains to the Allowed for local network access list:
   1. *://[*.]box.com 
   2. *://[*.]box.net 
   3. *://[*.]boxcn.net 
   4. *://[*.]boxcdn.net 
   5. *://[*.]boxenterprise.net 
4. Use this configuration using your organization’s device management tools (such as MDM or Group Policy) to make sure the settings are applied consistently across all computers.
5. Monitor for help desk tickets or user reports of Box Tools functionality issues following browser updates.

Recommended Actions for Users

When prompted by Chrome or Edge, select Allow to enable local network access for Box Tools.

If you accidentally selected Block, you can manually re-enable access:

• In Chrome, visit: chrome://settings/content/localNetworkAccess
• In Edge, visit: edge://settings/content/localNetworkAccess
• Or adjust settings manually:
  1. Go to the menu (three dots) > Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings
  2. Scroll to Additional Permissions > Local Network Access
  3.  Under Allowed to connect to any device on your local network, select Add and enter: [*.]box.com [*.]box.net [*.]boxcn.net [*.]boxcdn.net [*.]boxenterprise.net
  4. Refresh your browser.

Why This Matters

Allowing Box domains ensures Box Tools continues to support:

• Opening and editing files in desktop applications
• Securing authentication and device trust
• Digital signature capabilities

Taking these steps now will help prevent disruptions and reduce future support requests once the browser updates roll out.