Windows Security is a free security program provided by Microsoft for Windows users. The Windows Security app runs in the background and protects your computer from various security threats, such as malware, viruses, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

Many users are unaware that Windows 11 also has a security feature called Windows SmartScreen. The role of a Windows SmartScreen is to prevent unrecognized apps from starting and running on your Windows 11 system.

What is Windows SmartScreen?

SmartScreen is a security feature introduced in Windows 8 and improved in Windows 10. It acts as a filter that checks downloaded files against a Microsoft Database.

So, when you download something malicious from the internet and attempt to run it, the SmartScreen filter checks and blocks it. When it blocks a program from running or changing your system, you will see a prompt like this.

Although the feature is excellent, it sometimes blocks safe app use. The only way to run the blocked apps is to click on the More info > Run Anyway option.

You must do this whenever you want to run an app that Windows Defender SmartScreen blocks. You can turn off the Windows Defender SmartScreen feature if you don’t want to do this for apps you trust. However, before turning off the feature, set up a good Windows security app on your PC.

1. Disable Defender SmartScreen via Windows Security

We will use the Windows Security app to disable the Windows Defender SmartScreen feature in this method. Here’s what you need to do.

1. First, click on the Windows 11 search and type in Windows Security. Next, click on Windows Security from the list of options that appear.

3. On the right pane, scroll down and click on the Reputation-based protection settings link.

4. On the next screen, turn off the toggle for Check apps and files

5. You will now see a UAC prompt; click the Yes button to apply the changes.

2. How to Disable SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge

Windows 11 allows you to manage the SmartScreen for the Edge browser separately. Hence, you need to disable the SmartScreen for the Microsoft Edge browser.

1. First, open the Windows Security app on your Windows 11 PC and click on the App & Browser control.

2. On the right pane, click the Reputation-based protection settings link.

3. scroll down and disable the toggle for SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge on the next screen.

3. Disable Windows Defenender SmartScreen via Registry

If, for some reason, you can’t access the Windows Security app, you can use the Registry Editor to disable the SmartScreen feature. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Press the Windows Key + R button to open the RUN dialog box. On the RUN dialog box, enter regedit and hit the Enter button.

2. On the Registry Editor, navigate to the path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsSystem

3. Next, right-click on the System folder and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

4. Name the newly created REG_DWORD value as EnableSmartScreen.

5. Next, double-click on the EnableSmartScreen, set the Value data to 0, and click the OK button.

After making the changes, restart your Windows 11 PC. This will disable the Defender SmartScreen on your Windows 11. If you wish to enable the SmartScreen feature again, delete the EnableSmartScreen value you created in Step 4.

4. Disable Windows Defender SmartScreen via Group Policy Editor

You can even use the Local Group Policy Editor to disable the Windows Defender SmartScreen on your Windows 11 computer. Here are some of the simple steps you need to follow.

1. Press the Windows Key + R button to open the RUN dialog box. On the Run dialog box, type in gpedit.msc and hit the Enter button.

2. This will open the Local Group Policy Editor. Navigate to the following path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative templates > Windows Components > File Explorer

3. On the right pane, find and double-click on the Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen Policy.

4. On the next Window, select Disabled and click the Apply button.

After making the above changes, restart your computer. After the restart, the Windows Defender SmartScreen will be disabled.

5. Turn Off Windows Defender SmartScreen via Internet Properties

If you’re not using the latest builds of Windows 11, you can disable the Windows Defender SmartScreen using Internet Properties. Here’s how.

• Open the RUN dialog box (Windows + R)
• Type in Control Panel and press Enter.
• Navigate to the Network and Internet > Internet Options.
• Next, open the Internet Properties and switch to the Advanced tab.
• Scroll down to the Security section and uncheck the ‘Enable Windows Defender SmartScreen’
• Once done, click Apply and then OK.

Is there any way to disable the SmartScreen Filter for Certain Websites?

There’s no way to selectively disable the SmartScreen filter for certain websites or apps. This is a system-wide setting in Windows and can’t be disabled for specific websites or apps.

However, you can disable the SmartScreen filter to allow certain apps or websites by following our methods and then enable it again. Ensure your antimalware program is ready when you turn off the SmartScreen filter.

Windows Defender SmartScreen is a great security feature that you shouldn’t turn off. If you still want to turn it off, make sure you use other security programs on your computer. Or else, you can enable the SmartScreen after installing the blocked app again.