Multiple sensitivity label prompts with EndNote

Question

Multiple sensitivity label prompts with EndNote

JohnC12 0

Hi,

We have sensitivity labels enabled and required for all new files. We also use EndNote in our organisation. For users who have EndNote installed they are prompted to apply a label when opening word every single time. My research indicates this is because EndNote embeds a file "EN20.docm" when word is opened. This is incredibly frustrating for users as this occurs every single time they open word. Has anyone found a solution to allow Sensitivity labels to ignore this file or auto apply (which won't actually work but it will prevent end users from seeing the prompt). Or any other suggestions?

EkholmPerRegionserviceITITplattfor-5252 0 Reputation points

2026-09-24T13:00:36.3+00:00

I've tried labeling the endnote cwyw.dotm file directly and it seems to be working. Location:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ResearchSoft\Cwyw\21
It seems like the endnote template file then loads normal.dotm which means that the label applied to the endnote template file doesn't interfere with the users then prefered label.

The solution is currently out on pilot because I can't try all endnote functions and since the metadata for labeling can be mildly annoying.

We also have a central distribution so my guys handeling packeting is confident that we can put the pre-labeled template files in the delivery packet.

1 answer

Your answer

EkholmPerRegionserviceITITplattfor-5252 0 Reputation points

2026-09-24T13:00:36.3+00:00

I've tried labeling the endnote cwyw.dotm file directly and it seems to be working. Location:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ResearchSoft\Cwyw\21
It seems like the endnote template file then loads normal.dotm which means that the label applied to the endnote template file doesn't interfere with the users then prefered label.

The solution is currently out on pilot because I can't try all endnote functions and since the metadata for labeling can be mildly annoying.

We also have a central distribution so my guys handeling packeting is confident that we can put the pre-labeled template files in the delivery packet.

Answer 1

Hi JohnC12 You're absolutely right, this issue arises because EndNote injects the EN20.docm template when Word launches, which Microsoft 365 treats as a new unsaved document, thereby triggering a mandatory sensitivity label prompt each time.

Practical Workaround:

While there's currently no way to exclude specific files like EN20.docm from labeling, the best supported workaround is to configure a default sensitivity label for new documents. This auto-applies the label at launch preventing the user from seeing the label prompt.

This doesn't label content inside the template but does suppress the prompt, which aligns with your goal.

To configure this:

Go to the Microsoft Purview compliance portal
Under Information Protection > Label policies, choose the relevant policy or create a new one.
In the policy settings, enable a default label for Word (and optionally other Office apps).
Set this label policy at the highest priority (Order 0) to ensure it takes effect consistently.

Hope this helps. If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

Venkat Reddy Navari 5,840 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-07-29T16:19:00.8233333+00:00

JohnC12 Following up to see if the above answer was helpful. If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.