- SmartScreen protects against malware and phishing on Windows y Microsoft Edge.
- It may cause unnecessary crashes when downloading or running legitimate programs.
- It can be disabled from Windows Security, the Group Policy Editor, or the Registry.
- It is advisable to evaluate its benefits before making the decision to disable it.
SmartScreen It's a Microsoft security tool built into Windows and its Edge browser. Its primary function is to prevent users from running unknown applications or accessing potentially dangerous websites. While it's useful for blocking threats, it can sometimes prevent you from running legitimate programs or downloading trusted files.
If you are trying to install an application and SmartScreen prevents you from doing so, or if you simply prefer to manage your security in another way, in this article you will learn how to disable SmartScreen in Windows 10, Windows 11 and previous versions, using different methods to suit your needs.
What is SmartScreen and how does it work?
SmartScreen is a reputation-based protection system. It scans the files and websites you visit and compares them to a Microsoft database, which is constantly updated. If a file or page is suspicious, it blocks access and displays a warning.
Its operation is based on three main criteria:
- Blacklist: SmartScreen automatically blocks files and sites known to be malicious.
- White list: Popular files and sites verified by Microsoft do not generate warnings.
- Reputation based on the amount of downloads: If a file is rare and not whitelisted, a warning is displayed, even if it is not dangerous.
Reasons to disable SmartScreen
Although SmartScreen is useful for protecting your PC, it can generate false positives and block secure apps. Some reasons to disable it include:
- Prevents legitimate programs from running.
- Slows down the loading of web pages in Microsoft Edge.
- Displays unnecessary warnings on safe downloads.
- Advanced users may prefer to manage security with their own tools.
How to disable SmartScreen in Windows 11
To permanently disable SmartScreen in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Opens Windows security searching for this term in the Start menu.
- Accede to Application and browser control.
- Click on Configuring Reputation-Based Protection.
- Disable the option Check apps and files.
- You can also disable SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge and Protection for the Microsoft Store.
How to disable SmartScreen in Windows 10
If you are using Windows 10, the procedure is similar to that of Windows 11:
- Opens Windows security from the Start menu.
- Go to Application and browser control.
- In section Reputation-Based Protection, Select Configuration.
- Disable all SmartScreen options as needed.
You can also do this in Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer (if you still use it). To do this:
- In Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search and services and turn off SmartScreen. If you need to further customize your settings, you can check out how Change Internet Options in Microsoft Edge.
- In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Security and turn off SmartScreen.
Disable SmartScreen from the Group Policy Editor
If you have Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, or Windows 11, you can turn off SmartScreen using the Group Policy Editor:
- Press Windows + R, writes gpedit.msc and hit Enter.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > SmartScreen Windows Defender.
- double click on Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen and select Disabled.
Disable SmartScreen from Registry Editor
Another option is to modify the Windows Registry:
- Press Windows + R, writes regedit and hit Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System.
- Right click on an empty space and select New> DWORD value (32 bits).
- Name it EnableSmartScreen and set its value to 0.
Is SmartScreen useful or should I disable it?
While SmartScreen does offer an extra layer of security, its usefulness will depend on your level of computer knowledge. For advanced users who install software from various sources or use other protection methods, it can be annoying. However, if you frequently download programs from unknown sites, keeping it enabled is recommended.
SmartScreen is a useful security feature in Windows, but in some cases it can be an unnecessary hindrance. If you find it annoying, deactivating it is simple from Windows Security, the Group Policy Editor, or the Windows Registry. The decision to keep it active or not depends on your level of experience and the use you make of the system.
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