
Even if the file or program you were working with was known not to be malicious, forgetting to enable SmartScreen could lead to big problems in the future.Ĭlick Block in the Check apps and files section. Once you've done everything that SmartScreen was preventing you from doing, you should immediately go back and re-enable it. How to enable Windows Defender SmartScreen If you'd like to still receive a warning when a potentially malicious file or program is detected, you can choose Warn in each SmartScreen section. Click Off in the SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge section.Ĭlick Off in the SmartScreen for Windows Store apps section.Click the App and browser control button on the left side of the window.Ĭlick Off in the Check apps and files section.Launch Windows Defender Security Center from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.If you must completely disable SmartScreen, we recommend re-enabling it soon after. How to disable Windows Defender SmartScreenĪlthough not recommended, SmartScreen can be disabled through Windows Defender. If you're running into further problems, try running the program as an Administrator in addition to the steps above. The file should now be treated as safe by SmartScreen and you'll be allowed to open it. Click the checkbox next to Unblock so that a checkmark appears.Navigate to the file or program that's being blocked by SmartScreen.VPN Deals: Lifetime license for $16, monthly plans at $1 & more If a file you know is safe is going to give you trouble when you attempt to launch it, you can quickly give it permission to open. How to open a file blocked by Windows Defender SmartScreen How to enable Windows Defender SmartScreen.How to disable Windows Defender SmartScreen.How to open a file blocked by Windows Defender SmartScreen.

Only go around the Windows 10 app block if you know for sure that the file is safe. Some apps really are harmful and really will get you in a mess. While these steps will get you around the Windows 10 block, you should use them with care. It will block you from opening some apps if they come from an unknown place or are created by an unknown publisher. Windows Defender SmartScreen acts as a sort of guard dog while you use Windows 10. You really want to install this app - you know there's nothing wrong with it - but you're locked out. Yes, it is a good thing that Windows 10 has security features like Defender SmartScreen built in, but sometimes they get in the way.
