How to Turn Off SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10

SmartScreen Filter causing problems with programs and websites? Here is how to disable or turn off SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10.

For a long time now, Windows has had a pretty helpful security feature called SmartScreen Filter. It is part of the Microsoft Defender (formerly, Windows Defender) suite and enabled by default. The main task of the SmartScreen Filter is to protect your computer from malicious websites and links. It can automatically flag, warn, and block malicious and suspicious activities on your computer. For example, suppose someone sent you a malware or phishing link, and you clicked on it. In that case, the SmartScreen filter will automatically block it to protect you from potential adverse effects, such as malware infections and phishing attacks.

Generally, SmartScreen Filter works silently in the background, and most users never need to worry about it. However, there may be situations where SmartScreen blocks legitimate websites, links, or programs. In that case, you can disable SmartScreen Filter, either temporarily or permanently, using the Windows Security tool, Group Policy, or directly in the Microsoft Edge browser. In this quick and easy guide, I will show you how to do it. Let’s get started.

Quick Navigation Links:

1. Disable SmartScreen Filter Using the Windows Security Tool
2. Disable SmartScreen Filter Using the Group Policy Editor
3. Disable SmartScreen Filter in the Edge browser

Disable SmartScreen Filter Using the Windows Security Tool

SmartScreen Filter is part of the App and Browser Control module in Windows Security. You can easily disable it from there. Here is how.

1. Press the Start key on your keyboard.
2. Search and open “Windows Security“.
3. Click on “App & browser control“.
4. Next, click on the “Reputation-based protection settings” link.
5. Turn off the “Check for apps and files” option.
6. Close the Windows Security app.
7. SmartScreen filter is disabled.

To turn SmartScreen Filter back on, enable the “Check for apps and files” option.

Disable SmartScreen Filter Using the Group Policy Editor

If you manage multiple users or computers, then using the Group Policy Editor to disable Windows SmartScreen is the way. It is far better than manually setting rules for each user or computer. Here is how to do it.

1. Press the “Windows key + R” keyboard shortcut.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” and click “OK” to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. Go to the “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “File Explorer” folder in the Group Policy Editor.
4. Double-click on the “Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen” policy.
5. Select the “Disabled” option.
6. Click “Apply” and “OK“.
7. Close the Group Policy Editor.
8. Reboot Windows.
9. SmartScreen Filter is now disabled.

To enable it back, follow the same steps but select the “Not Configured” option and click “OK“.

Disable SmartScreen Filter in the Edge browser

If you are using Microsoft Edge as your primary browser, rather than disabling SmartScreen for the entire system, you can disable it only in Edge. That way, you can still access the websites blocked by the SmartScreen Filter without completely disabling the security feature system-wide. Here is how to disable SmartScreen Filter in the Edge browser.

1. Open the Start menu by pressing the “Start key” on your keyboard.
2. Search and open “Windows Security“.
3. Go to the “App & browser control” tab on the left sidebar.
4. Click the “Reputation-based protection settings” on the right panel.
5. Turn OFF the “SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge” toggle.
6. With that, you’ve disabled SmartScreen for the Microsoft Edge browser only.

If you want to enable it, follow the same steps and simply turn ON the “SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge” toggle.

Good to read: Steps to turn off SmartScreen in Windows 11

As you can see, it is pretty easy to turn off SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10. As I said before, only disable the SmartScreen filter if necessary, and you know what you are doing. If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.