How to Disable Windows Defender SmartScreen in Windows 10
Windows Defender SmartScreen, prevents you from running certain apps that are either known to be malicious (e.g., viruses and malware) or unrecognized by Microsoft’s database of popular Windows software.
It’s the second category of merely unknown apps, however, where Windows Defender SmartScreen can go from helpful to annoying.
When you attempt to run or install an application that Windows doesn’t recognize, you’ll see a popup window appear warning you that “Windows protected your PC” and “prevented an unrecognized app from starting.”
If you’re completely sure that the app you’re trying to launch is safe and was obtained from a trustworthy source, your choice is to click the More info link to able to run any application that’s not trusted or unknown by Microsoft.
The More info link reveals more information and options. First, you’ll see the complete filename of the app or installer that’s trying to run, and beneath it you’ll see the app’s publisher as long as the developer is registered with Microsoft.
Not every developer or publisher registers with Microsoft and the absence of information in the Publisher: field doesn’t mean that app is dangerous. However, you should double check and make sure, once again, that you’re running the right app from the correct trusted source.
If everything looks good, you can click Run anyway button. This wiill bypass Windows Defender SmartScreen.
However, if you would prefer to not use Windows Defender SmartScreen for your apps at all, you can disable it in the Windows Defender Security Center settings.
Here’s how.
1. Type Windows Defender Security Center into Start Menu. Launch the result as you see in the screenshot below.
2. From the Windows Defender Security Center, select the App & browser control icon from the sidebar on the left.
3. Under the "Check apps and files" section on the right, choose Off.
If you’re not comfortable leaving it turned off, you can always turn Windows Defender SmartScreen back on again by repeating the steps above.
It’s the second category of merely unknown apps, however, where Windows Defender SmartScreen can go from helpful to annoying.
When you attempt to run or install an application that Windows doesn’t recognize, you’ll see a popup window appear warning you that “Windows protected your PC” and “prevented an unrecognized app from starting.”
If you’re completely sure that the app you’re trying to launch is safe and was obtained from a trustworthy source, your choice is to click the More info link to able to run any application that’s not trusted or unknown by Microsoft.
The More info link reveals more information and options. First, you’ll see the complete filename of the app or installer that’s trying to run, and beneath it you’ll see the app’s publisher as long as the developer is registered with Microsoft.
Not every developer or publisher registers with Microsoft and the absence of information in the Publisher: field doesn’t mean that app is dangerous. However, you should double check and make sure, once again, that you’re running the right app from the correct trusted source.
If everything looks good, you can click Run anyway button. This wiill bypass Windows Defender SmartScreen.
However, if you would prefer to not use Windows Defender SmartScreen for your apps at all, you can disable it in the Windows Defender Security Center settings.
Here’s how.
1. Type Windows Defender Security Center into Start Menu. Launch the result as you see in the screenshot below.
2. From the Windows Defender Security Center, select the App & browser control icon from the sidebar on the left.
3. Under the "Check apps and files" section on the right, choose Off.
If you’re not comfortable leaving it turned off, you can always turn Windows Defender SmartScreen back on again by repeating the steps above.