When using Internet Explorer or Windows 8, you may encounter a warning when trying to download or run certain files. The content of the warning will be something like: "Files from the Internet can harm your computer" or "The operation of this program can compromise the security of your computer." Why is this happening, what does it mean, and how can I turn off such warnings? This article will answer all of these questions.
SmartScreen Filter Messages
In the desktop version of Internet Explorer, you may see the following messages: "Files downloaded from the Internet can harm your computer" or “SmartScreen has no information about this unsigned program. Launching can harm your computer. "
Let's find out why we are faced with such messages.
What is SmartScreen?
This feature has been added to Internet Explorer since version 8 to improve browser security. If the file you are about to download has already been downloaded by a large enough number of people and is considered safe, SmartScreen will allow you to download it without any problems or warnings. If no one has downloaded or downloaded the file yet, but not many times, you will receive a warning that the file may be unsafe. In addition, SmartScreen constantly checks the sites you visit for phishing sites in the regularly updated list. If a match is found, it displays a warning notifying that the site has been blocked for your own safety. On the one hand, it can be annoying when downloading files from not very popular sites, but on the other hand, it provides additional security for your computer.
In Windows 8, a similar function is implemented, but directly in Explorer, so you can see similar warnings when launching executable files. In general, the same principles apply as in Internet Explorer.
SmartScreen a useless feature?
Given the fact that this feature is really annoying from time to time, the following questions will be relevant: “Is it worth it? Is there any use from her? " Answer: "Yes". According to some security studies, Internet Explorer is the most secure browser, mainly due to this feature. One of the good examples of such research: Internet Explorer 9 outperforms competing browsers in malware blocking test.
So, I have tried to explain what SmartScreen is, how it works and why it is important to the security of your computer. However, if you're sure SmartScreen is more annoying than it helps, read on to find out how to turn it off.
I'll start this tutorial by disabling the feature in Windows 8. Then I'll go through the process of disabling SmartScreen in Internet Explorer (versions 9 and 10).
Disable SmartScreen in Windows 8
Right-click the Support Center icon and select Open Support Center from the pop-up window.
In the Action Center window, take a look at the column on the left. Find the link "Changing Windows SmartScreen Settings" and click on it.
The Windows SmartScreen window appears. Activate the "Do nothing (disable Windows SmartScreen)" option, and then click "OK".
Done, SmartScreen is disabled, but only in Windows Explorer. If you want to disable the feature in Internet Explorer as well, keep reading.
Disable SmartScreen in Internet Explorer 9 and 10
Start Internet Explorer. If you're using Windows 8, open the desktop browser, not Metro. Then click on the "Service" button. In the menu that appears, select "Security" -> "Disable SmartScreen Filter".
Select Disable SmartScreen Filter and click OK.
You have now turned off SmartScreen in Internet Explorer as well.
To turn SmartScreen back on, you need to go through the same steps. If you have any questions about this feature, feel free to leave your comments.
Have a great day!
Windows Smartscreen is an important Windows feature that protects your computer from suspicious software. Previously, the filter was only built into the Internet Explorer browser, but since Windows 8 it has become an integral part of the operating system itself. For the time being, the user may not be aware of the existence of smartscreen, but at one point, when trying to install any program, a message will appear warning about a possible threat. What is this Windows filter, can it be disabled and what is the risk of such deactivation?
How Smartscreen works
As we have already noted, the smartscreen functionality is integrated into the Internet Explorer browser. With the introduction of the new Microsoft Edge browser, this protection has been added to it too. So downloading software through any of these browsers can be blocked if smartscreen suddenly finds it potentially dangerous.
If the executable file is already on your computer, the filter will make itself felt when you try to launch it. A pop-up window with a warning message will give the user the option to either abandon the execution or continue, despite a certain risk.
And here the question arises, by what criteria does the filter classify applications as unwanted and is it worth ignoring the notification?
In the course of its work, Windows Smartscreen refers to a cloud database that stores a list of programs and their ratings. Information here comes from the computers of users who have the smartscreen filter enabled and the corresponding option is active, which allows Microsoft to send information about all installed software products. Based on the collected data, a trust score is generated, and if the downloaded application has a low security rating or is not present at all in the store, then the above message is displayed.
What happens if you disable Windows Smartscreen?
Very often, the filter mistakenly blocks applications that do not pose any threat to the user. In such cases, you just need to use the button that allows you to continue the execution of the program. If the protection is triggered constantly, then it can be completely disabled. But in this case, a good antivirus with constantly updated databases must be installed on the computer without fail. Otherwise, the possibility of launching malware is not excluded. Let's say you are completely sure that you do not need Smartscreen. What are the ways to disable it?
How to disable SmartScreen in Explorer and Edge browsers
In Internet Explorer, to disable the check of websites, first click on the gear in the upper right corner of the window, then select the "Security" line and the item "Disable SmartScreen Filter ...".
Select the appropriate item in the window and save the settings.
To remove protection in the Microsoft Edge browser, click on the ellipsis button in the upper right corner, and then go to Options - View additional options... Scroll down and switch the desired option to the "Off" position.
Deactivating a filter using the Control Panel
To turn off Smartscreen in Windows 10, go to Control Panel and then to Security and Maintenance.
If the filter is enabled, then in the window that opens, the switch will be in the position "Request administrator approval before launching an unidentified application from the Internet (recommended)". There are also two more points:
- Warn before executing an unrecognized application, but do not require administrator approval.
- Do nothing (disable Windows Smartscreen).
To completely disable Smartscreen, select the last option and save the changes with the OK button.
How to configure Windows Smartscreen through Group Policy
A smarter way is to use the Local Group Policy Editor. To launch it, enter the command in the "Run" line (Win + R) gpedit.msc... In the editor window, go to the branch Computer Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Components - File Explorer... On the right, we find the "Configure Windows Smartscreen" parameter and click on it.
Disable SmartScreen in the registry
Changes to Windows Smartscreen settings can be made using the Windows Registry. Open the registry editor ( Win +R ->regedit) and go to the section HKLM \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer... Here we find the parameter SmartScreenEnabled that takes one of three values:
- RequireAdmin - request administrator confirmation;
- Prompt - display a warning, but do not require administrator confirmation;
- Off - disable the filter.
We set the value to "Off", and Windows will no longer monitor the launch of applications.
That's all we wanted to tell you about Smartscreen on Windows. Think and decide for yourself whether you need this feature or your computer is already well protected.
Windows 8 has many secrets and "tricks", the principle of operation and operation of which can not be understood immediately. Well, one of those options is the Windows SmartScreen feature. Since the system was created by the developers, this option is enabled by default.
What does this give the user?
In fact, sometimes it turns out that there is little that is pleasant. The filter is engaged in monitoring the applications installed on the device, from time to time "pampering" the user with their simple warnings about the security status of a particular program. In general, the operating principles are fairly straightforward and simple.
SmartScreen carries with it a great rational, positive beginning: it helps users to recognize where the normal program is, and where the potentially dangerous one (with some vicissitudes, but still).
In addition to all this, Windows SmartScreen is endowed with the ability to send a certain category of data, certain information to Microsoft servers.
To work or not to work with this "chip" is up to you. But one thing is for sure: if you want to disable all options, you should pay attention to the information that will be given below.
What happens when the options are enabled?
In total, the three most significant "pillars" can be distinguished:
Requiring confirmation from the administrator before launching the downloaded unknown software. Like something like this: "Do you really confirm the launch of the program on behalf of the administrator?" (pictures and threat icons are attached).
Warn the user before executing unknown software
Disable the work of SmartScreen, which has already frankly got out with its warnings.
Several pros of disabling Windows SmartScreen
It should be said that the obvious and visible problem of the presence of surveillance over the installation of unknown software, included by default, is just the tip of the iceberg.
In fact, it is worth digressing and trying to look a little deeper, to appreciate the very essence of this problem. The operation of Windows SmartScreen is a violation of the privacy of information and those actions that are performed by users. Sometimes one gets the impression that new technologies, which seem to serve for the benefit of humanity and its development, turn out to be an attempt to "control" the entire population (and, most surprisingly, by our own will). The problem that is associated with the use of the same Skype and currently existing social networks has been discussed more than once, in the user agreement of which the possibility of "draining" information about a specific user in one case or another is directly prescribed (a special procedure is used and all that). Not so long ago, another "novelty" appeared, which is perceived ambiguously. It is connected with the "revolution in fingerprints", with the help of which the security of the user's devices will be ensured (maybe something else?).
The Windows SmartScreen tool is just a kind of "lever" that may not always be used, not in all cases, but potentially has a place to be. If Windows SmartScreen collects information about users, it means there is a potential for pressure on Microsoft in the future. The purpose of the pressure is to issue private information, private information to government agencies, as well as to legal representatives of the owners of certain copyrights. The flow of information that moves slowly but surely from your computer has the potential to be intercepted by hackers. Without big problems, you can study and understand which programs are installed by the user, what features they have, and so on.
How do i disable Dangerous SmartScreen?
Method number one.
Find the Action Center in the Windows Control Panel. The left column should grab your attention with an option called Change Windows SmartScreen Settings. Here you need to select the tab called "Do nothing / disable Windows SmartScreen"
Method number two.
Win + R.
gpedit.msc (this is needed to get the Local Group Policy Editor to work)
Computer configuration
Administrative Templates
Windows components
Configure Windows SmartScreen (select what you need in the window).
As you can see, the second option is several times longer. As they say, for those who are not looking for easy ways. Well, as for the question of whether to disable or not disable Windows SmartScreen, it is up to users to decide.
Windows Smartscreen is a useful built-in feature that helps keep your computer secure. Smartscreen turns on automatically, simultaneously with the system, some users do not even always guess about its existence. This filter collects data about all applications installed on your computer.
When an unidentified program that you downloaded from the Internet is launched, smartscreen warns of a possible threat. Sometimes the filter fails and starts up when not needed. There are times when the launch of unsafe, according to smartscreen, programs is simply necessary for the user. If there is no Internet connection, the filter cannot connect to the required server. it does not start - this is the most common reason why users try to disable it. If you have a modern antivirus installed, the need for smartscreen raises some doubts. Before turning off the filter, analyze all the pros and cons of this procedure, and also assess the degree of its necessity.
If you do not know how to disable Windows Smartscreen - read our article.
There are several ways to disable Windows smartscreen. The most convenient, in our opinion, is to disable the filter at the system level using the control panel. However, it must be remembered that in order to perform the following actions, you must have Administrator rights.
As you can see, disabling smartscreen is not difficult, you can easily cope with this task.
If you are thinking about how to disable the smartscreen filter in Windows 7, then don't worry, this procedure is not much different from the previous option. For a change, let's try it in a different way.
On the menu "Start" choose an item "Run"... In the line, type the msconfig command, click "OK".
Then, in the window that appears, open the tab. Find smartscreen in the list of processes, uncheck the box. Finish the procedure by pressing a button. "Run".
Now that you know how to disable the smartscreen filter, it is recommended that you run an antivirus to protect your computer. Also, you should be more careful about the programs that you download from the Internet.
To ensure that a new application or program starts, you do not need to know how to disable smartscreen windows 8. If you downloaded a program from a trusted source, you are sure that it is safe, and the filter prevented it from starting anyway - just click "More".
Next, select an option "Run anyway" and the program will start. In the event that you still want to prevent this message from appearing in the future, you want to know how to disable the smartscreen filter in Windows 8 - follow the further instructions.
- Find "Support Center" in the tab "Control Panel".
- On the left in the new window, select .
- Next, check the option that suits you. To turn off the program completely, you must mark the last item. Click OK - you're done.
After disabling the filter, do not download programs on suspicious sites, enable antivirus.
This OS version also has smartscreen. How to disable in Windows 8.1 - read on. Open the control panel. If in the tab "View" there is a choice on the option "Categories"- configure it to "Badges"... Select an item "Support Center"... A window has opened, find on the right "Change Windows smartscreen settings"... Check the third option. This filter is now disabled on your computer. Remember to turn on smartscreen later if this action was taken to run one or more programs.
Before deciding on such drastic measures as forcibly disabling the smartscreen filter in Windows 8.1, we recommend that you carefully understand what it is and what it is for. Remember that by disabling the filter, you compromise the security of your computer.
SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10 helps protect your PC from suspicious, malicious apps and files. Additionally, SmartScreen Filter may also display a warning message when trying to launch an unrecognized application. Smart Screen uses Microsoft cloud computing technology to quickly detect, alert and block potentially unwanted applications. Typically, you can easily turn off the SmartScreen filter for unrecognized apps with just a few clicks and launch the app or file as needed.
Disable SmartScreen in Windows 10
1. Using Windows Security
The easiest way to turn off SmartScreen Filter is by using the options provided by Windows Security Center. Windows Defender built-in antivirus allows you to manage SmartScreen settings for applications and files, Microsoft Edge browser and Microsoft Store apps separately.
Step 1... Open " Options" > "Updates and security" > "Windows security"> Open Service" Windows security"
Step 2... Next go " Application / Browser Control"and on the right you will see that SmartScreen is turned on to warn for all three categories. To turn off SmartScreen completely, you need to select Switch off in all categories: Checking apps and files, for Microsoft Edge, for apps from the Microsoft Store.
2. Using the Group Policy Editor
For system or network administrators, Windows has a specific policy setting in the "Group Policy" editor to quickly disable SmartScreen in Windows 10.
Step 1... Press the Win + R key combination and enter gpedit.msc to open Group Policies. In the editor, navigate to Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates> Windows Components> Explorer and on the right, locate and double-click the policy.
Step 2... In the settings window, put Disabled to turn off SmartScreen Filter. Restart the system for the changes to take effect.
3. Using the registry editor
Windows 10 Home home users won't have access to the Group Policy Editor. However, you can use Registry Editor to disable SmartScreen Filter. Before editing the registry.
Step 1... Press Win + R and enter regedit to start Registry Editor, then navigate to the following path:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Windows \ System
Right-click on an empty spot with the right mouse button New> DWORD32 Parameter (32 bit). Give a name EnableSmartScreen double click on it and set the value 0 ... Reboot your PC.
Step 2... If you need turn on SmartScreen back then set the value 1 for EnableSmartScreen... Next, you need to set the blocking level. To do this, right-click in the right pane and select New> String Parameter and name it ShellSmartScreenLevel... Then just double click and set the value:
- Warn- displays a warning, but you can bypass it.
- Block- displays a warning message and blocks the launch of an application or file.
Once you're done, reboot your system.
