Trying to open an app or download a file, but Microsoft Defender SmartScreen keeps getting in the way? Its settings are split between Windows and Microsoft Edge, so the switch you need depends on what's being blocked. Here's where to find those controls on Windows 11 and Windows 10, plus how to allow a single file without turning off protection globally.
Turn off SmartScreen for Windows apps and files
Windows app and file reputation checks trigger SmartScreen warnings when you try to run an unrecognized downloaded app.
Search for Windows Security in Start.
Open the Windows Security result.
Select App & browser control.
Open Reputation-based protection settings.
Set Check apps and files to Off. This changes Windows app and file checks. Edge browsing protection and Microsoft Store app content checks have their own switches.
Prefer going through Settings? On Windows 11, the same controls are under Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > App & browser control.
On Windows 10, use Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > App & browser control.
Change SmartScreen protection in Microsoft Edge
In Edge, open Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Security.
Set Protect from harmful sites and downloads to Off. If your installation displays Microsoft Defender SmartScreen instead, that's the switch to change.
Windows also offers this control at Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings > SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge. Set it to Off to disable Edge's SmartScreen protection.
The setting applies across profiles on that Edge installation, including Guest and InPrivate. It doesn't sync between devices, so changing it on one computer doesn't change another.
Allow a single app or download
Only need to get past one warning? For a file you trust, an override lets you continue while keeping SmartScreen enabled elsewhere.
On the Windows protected your PC warning, select More info.
Select Run anyway to run that file.
For a blocked Edge download, open its ... menu.
Select Keep.
Choose Show more.
Select Keep anyway. Organizations can prevent both Windows app overrides and Edge download overrides.
If the Windows override fails, right-click the downloaded file.
Select Properties.
Open General.
Select Unblock when that option is present. This removes the file's internet-origin marking without changing global SmartScreen settings.
Click Apply.
Click OK.
If the file still won't run on a work or school computer, contact your IT administrator. Unblocking a file doesn't override every security control.
Adjust Store app checks and Windows password protection
Use these controls for web content used by Microsoft Store apps or for protection of your Windows sign-in password. Password protection settings apply to Windows 11 version 22H2 and later.
Open Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings.
Set SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps to Off or On to manage Store app web content checks.
For Windows password settings, open Phishing protection on the same page.
Adjust its protection and password-warning settings to match the checks you want enabled.
Review potentially unwanted app blocking
Potentially unwanted app blocking stops apps or downloads classified as unwanted, separately from the main SmartScreen controls.
Open Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings.
Set Potentially unwanted app blocking to Off or On to change the overall setting.
For separate control, adjust Block apps to manage detection of downloaded or installed potentially unwanted apps.
Adjust Block downloads to manage unwanted download blocking in Edge.
To change this protection inside Edge, open Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
Find Block potentially unwanted apps and set it to Off or On.
Restore protection after you're finished
Turning the switches back on restores the checks you disabled.
Open Windows Security from Start.
Select App & browser control.
Open Reputation-based protection settings.
Set Check apps and files to On.
Restore any other protection switches you disabled on that page to On.
For protection changed inside Edge, open Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Security.
Set Protect from harmful sites and downloads, or Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, to On.
Resolve locked settings on a work or school device
On a managed computer, your organization can enforce SmartScreen settings and prevent warning overrides. A locked switch requires help from your administrator.
Contact your IT administrator when you can't change a switch or continue past a warning.
For a blocked website on a device managed with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, ask your administrator to review a website exception. Administrators manage these through Microsoft Defender portal > Settings > Endpoints > Indicators > URLs/Domains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off SmartScreen stop every app from being blocked?
No. Smart App Control can independently block an app after you change SmartScreen settings.
Can I report a website that SmartScreen blocked incorrectly?
Yes. On Edge's warning page, select More information, then Report that this site doesn't contain threats. Complete Microsoft's feedback form to request a classification review without disabling SmartScreen.
Is there a keyboard shortcut that turns SmartScreen off?
A Run command takes you straight to the switches. Press Windows+R, enter ms-settings:windowsdefender, and press Enter to open Windows Security settings. Open App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings to reach the switches.
Does disabling the Microsoft Defender Browser Protection extension turn off Windows SmartScreen?
No. The optional Chrome extension has separate protection. Disabling or removing it affects the extension, not Windows or Edge's built-in SmartScreen.
