Ever wanted to bypass those constant warnings from Microsoft Defender SmartScreen while you’re trying to download a file or visit a specific website? Sure, it’s there to keep us safe from potentially nasty stuff like malware and phishing, but sometimes it’s nice to have a choice. To disable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, head over to your Windows Security settings and make a few quick adjustments.
In our journey through the digital world, there’s no doubt that Windows Security is a trustworthy companion, shielding us from countless threats. Yet, we all have moments when we need that extra freedom. Picture this: you’re working on a project, and SmartScreen keeps interrupting just when you’re in the zone. To keep our creativity flowing, turning off SmartScreen can be a game changer.
Turning off this feature is easier than you might think. We just need to fiddle a bit with the settings in Windows Security, or even use the Group Policy Editor. It’s all about taking control of our own experience and deciding when we need protection or when we’re fine to go solo.
How To Turn Off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
To turn off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, follow these steps:
First, open the Start menu. Type “Windows Security” and click on it. This opens the Windows Security app.
In the Windows Security app, click on App & Browser Control.
Under the “Reputation-based Protection” section, click on Reputation-based protection settings. Here, you will see several SmartScreen options:
| SmartScreen Option | Description |
| Check apps and files | Warns you about unrecognized apps and files from the internet |
| SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge | Protects from malicious sites and downloads in Edge |
| SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps | Warns about potentially unwanted apps from the Microsoft Store |
To turn off each option, simply toggle the switch to Off. Make sure to repeat this for “Check apps and files,” “SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge,” and “SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps.”
For advanced users, we can also disable SmartScreen using the Group Policy Editor.
Press Windows + R. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
Find and double-click Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen. Choose Disabled and click Apply and OK. Close the Group Policy Editor.
Using the Registry Editor is another method. Before attempting this, it’s wise to create a backup of your registry.
Press Windows + R. Type regedit and press Enter.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System.
Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value called EnableSmartScreen. Set its value to 0 to disable SmartScreen.
That’s it! SmartScreen is now turned off on your system. Let’s navigate safely! 🎉