Windows Security is a built-in security program from Microsoft designed to protect your computer from threats like malware, viruses, and phishing attacks. One of its features, Windows Defender SmartScreen, helps prevent unrecognized apps from running on your system.
However, there may be times when SmartScreen blocks an app you trust, and you might want to disable this feature. Here’s how you can turn off Windows Defender SmartScreen on Windows 11.
What is Windows Defender SmartScreen?
Introduced in Windows 8 and enhanced in Windows 10, SmartScreen acts as a security filter that checks downloaded files against a Microsoft database. If SmartScreen detects a potentially malicious file, it blocks it and shows a warning. While this feature is useful, it can sometimes block safe apps, prompting you to click “More info” and then “Run Anyway” to proceed.
If you prefer not to deal with these prompts, you can disable SmartScreen. Before doing so, ensure you have another security solution in place to protect your system.
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How to Disable Windows Defender SmartScreen on Windows 11
1. Disable SmartScreen via Windows Security
– Open the Windows Security app by typing “Windows Security” in the Windows search bar and selecting it from the list.
– Click on Apps & Browser control.
– Scroll down and click on Reputation-based protection settings.
– Toggle off Check apps and files.
– Confirm the changes by clicking Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
2. Disable SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge
– Open the Windows Security app and navigate to Apps & Browser control.
– Click on Reputation-based protection settings.
– Scroll down and toggle off SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge.
3. Disable SmartScreen via Registry Editor
– Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type `regedit` and press Enter.
– Navigate to: `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System`.
– Right-click on the System folder, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it `EnableSmartScreen`.
– Double-click on `EnableSmartScreen`, set the Value data to `0`, and click OK.
– Restart your PC to apply the changes. To re-enable SmartScreen, delete the `EnableSmartScreen` value.
4. Disable SmartScreen via Group Policy Editor
– Press Windows Key + R and type `gpedit.msc`, then press Enter.
– Navigate to: `Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer`.
– Find and double-click Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen Policy.
– Select Disabled and click Apply.
– Restart your computer to disable SmartScreen.
5. Turn Off SmartScreen via Internet Properties (For older builds of Windows 11)
– Open the Run dialog box (Windows + R), type `Control Panel`, and press Enter.
– Go to Network and Internet > Internet Options.
– Switch to the Advanced tab.
– Scroll to the Security section and uncheck **Enable Windows Defender SmartScreen.
– Click Apply and then OK
Can You Disable SmartScreen for Specific Websites?
Unfortunately, you cannot selectively disable SmartScreen for certain websites or apps. This setting applies system-wide. If you need to allow specific apps or websites, you can disable SmartScreen temporarily using the methods above and then re-enable it later. Make sure you have a reliable antimalware program to keep your system protected while SmartScreen is turned off. learn more
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