SmartScreen Filter is a built-in Windows 10 security feature. protect users from malware. Not only does the built-in Windows Defender SmartScreen scan programs and files on your computer, it also integrates with Microsoft Edge to block phishing and malicious websites. It is an important security feature best left untouched by novice users. However, if you are an experienced user who finds its notifications annoying, we will tell you how to bypass or completely turn off the SmartScreen Filter on your Windows 10 PC.
Disable SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10
While the extra security that Microsoft SmartScreen offers is important, additional alerts can often be a source of annoyance. 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 Disable Microsoft SmartScreen first 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 protection settings’.
- On the following screen, you will find options to disable SmartScreen for three different purposes – native apps and files, Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Store.
- From here, you can turn off all three options or just turn off one or two if you want. You can turn it off for Microsoft Edge only or only for the Microsoft Store or for all apps on your computer. As you can see below, this is exactly what I did.
Note: If you don’t want to be bothered by prompts about what to install and what not to install, you should also turn off the other option that says ‘Potentially unwanted app blocking’ (see screenshot 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 offers an additional level of security above and beyond normal anti-virus programs on Windows PCs. If you are about to open a file or install an application that it believes to be unsafe, it displays a warning that it is protecting your computer.
Q. Is SmartScreen Different from Pop-up Blocker?
Yes like that. SmartScreen checks the sites you visit and the files you download for possible threats. Pop-up blockers, on the other hand, block pop-ups, many of which are potentially annoying, but not necessarily malicious, advertisements.
Q. Is There Any Way To Bypass SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10?
Yes there is. The software displays a warning when you try to run an application or open a file that it considers unsafe. However, you have the option of bypassing SmartScreen and installing these apps or still opening those sites by clicking a confirmation dialog. You can also completely disable it on your PC.
Q. Is It Safe to Disable the SmartScreen Filter?
If you’re an advanced user and know what you’re doing, you can turn it off and save yourself the trouble of dealing with prompts and notifications every time you try to do anything on your computer.
Q. Can I Disable SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge Only?
Yes you can. Microsoft SmartScreen protects computers in three ways: by scanning apps and files on your PC, checking for possible malware when downloading apps from the Microsoft Store, and blocking phishing and fraudulent websites when browsing with Microsoft Edge. As mentioned in the tutorial, you can disable any of these options individually or all at once.
Bypass SmartScreen Filter on Windows 10 PCs
The SmartScreen Filter can be an essential feature for novice or inexperienced users, but it can hinder productivity and be frustrating for tech-savvy users. Now that you know how to bypass Microsoft SmartScreen, go ahead, do it, but don’t say we didn’t warn you about the potential consequences.
