The SmartScreen filter built into Windows automatically scans applications, files, downloads, and websites, blocking known-dangerous content and alarm you before you run unknown applications. You can disable it, if you similar.

Nosotros recommend you leave SmartScreen enabled. It provides an additional layer of security that helps protect your PC, whether yous're using antivirus or not. Even if SmartScreen automatically blocks an unknown awarding you know is safe, you lot can click through the warning to run the application anyway.

Windows ten

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Starting with Windows x'south Creators Update, SmartScreen settings are now located in the Windows Defender Security Eye interface. Launch the "Windows Defender Security Center" shortcut in your Start bill of fare to open it.

Click the "App & browser command" icon in Windows Defender'southward sidebar to find these settings.

There are three dissimilar Windows SmartScreen filters, and you can configure split options for each. Select "Block" cake unrecognized applications, "Warn" to view a warning y'all can click through, or "Off" to disable Windows SmartScreen entirely. Fifty-fifty if you have "Warn" enabled, SmartScreen will e'er block known-dangerous content—it'll only warn you before running unrecognized applications. However, if yous disable SmartScreen entirely, SmartScreen won't be able to block known-unsafe files.

The "Bank check apps and files" pick controls the operating arrangement'south SmartScreen filter, which protects you lot no matter where yous download files from. When you lot try to open a downloaded awarding or file in File Explorer or another awarding, Windows will bank check that application or file and block it or display a warning if it's unrecognized.

RELATED: Is Microsoft Edge Actually Safer than Chrome or Firefox?

The "SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge" choice controls the SmartScreen filter build into the Microsoft Edge browser. It blocks malicious websites and downloads, but simply in Microsoft Border.

The "SmartScreen for Windows Store apps" filter is used when apps you download from the Windows Store access web content. It warns y'all earlier those apps load dangerous content.

Windows eight

On Windows 8, you'll detect this pick in the Control Panel. Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > Activeness Center.

Expand the "Security" department, locate Windows SmartScreen in the listing, and click "Change settings" under it.

You tin then choose what Windows does with unrecognized programs. Yous can accept Windows crave administrator blessing earlier running an unknown plan, warn you lot without requiring ambassador blessing, or select "Don't practise anything" to turn off Windows SmartScreen.

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