SmartScreen Filter is a built-in security feature of Windows 10 that protects users from malware. Not only does the built-in Windows Defender SmartScreen scan programs and files on your PC, it also integrates with Microsoft Edge to block phishing and malware websites. This is an important security feature that is best left untouched by novice users. However, if you are a power user who finds its notifications annoying, we will tell you how to bypass the SmartScreen filter or disable it completely on your Windows 10 PC.
Disable SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10
Although the additional security offered by Microsoft SmartScreen is important, the additional warnings can often be a source of inconvenience. So today we will tell you how to disable Windows 10 SmartScreen Filter on your PC. We’ll also tell you more about the feature itself to give you an idea of what it is and what it does on your computer.
- To turn off Microsoft SmartScreen, start by go to Settings > Update & Security.
- Now click/tap Windows Security in the left pane and select “Application and browser control” from the right pane.
- Now click/tap “Reputation-based protection settings”.
- On the next screen, you will find options to disable SmartScreen for three different purposes: local apps and files, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Store.
- From here, you can disable all three options or just one or two if you want. You can disable if disabled only for Microsoft Edge or only for the Microsoft Store or for all applications on your PC. That’s exactly what I did, as you can see below.
To note: If you don’t want to be irritated by prompts about what to install and what not to install, you should also disable the other option that says “Block potentially unwanted applications” (see screenshot screen above).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10?
Originally introduced with Windows 8.1, SmartScreen Filter is a built-in security feature that protects users against phishing websites, malicious downloads and more. It provides an extra level of security on top of regular antivirus programs on Windows PCs. If you are about to open a file or install an application that it deems dangerous, a warning will appear stating that it has protected your PC.
Q. Is SmartScreen different from pop-up blocker?
Yes it is. SmartScreen checks the sites you visit and the files you download for possible threats. Pop-up blockers, on the other hand, simply block pop-ups, many of which are advertisements that can be annoying, but not necessarily malicious.
Q. Is there a way to bypass SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10?
Yes there is. The software displays a warning each time you try to run an application or open a file that it deems dangerous. However, you have the option to bypass SmartScreen and install these apps or open these sites by clicking a confirmation dialog anyway. You can also disable it entirely on your PC.
Q. Is it safe to turn off SmartScreen Filter?
If you’re an advanced user and know what you’re doing, you can turn it off and save yourself from having to deal with prompts and notifications every time you try to do something on your computer.
Q. Can I disable SmartScreen only for Microsoft Edge?
Yes you can. Microsoft SmartScreen protects computers in three ways: by scanning apps and files on your PC, by checking for malware when you download apps from the Microsoft Store, and by blocking phishing and fraudulent websites when you surf with Microsoft Edge. You can disable any of these options individually or all of them simultaneously as mentioned in the tutorial.
Bypass SmartScreen Filter on Windows 10 PCs
The SmartScreen Filter may be an important feature for first-time or inexperienced users, but it can hamper productivity and be annoying for advanced users. So now that you know how to bypass Microsoft SmartScreen, go ahead and do it, but don’t tell us we didn’t warn you of the possible consequences.
.
