Turning Off SmartScreen in Windows 10
What is SmartScreen?
SmartScreen is a feature in Windows 10 that monitors the website you visit and alerts you if the site is malicious or suspicious. It’s a helpful tool that helps you stay safe online by blocking malicious websites and sending notifications to your Microsoft account.
How to Turn Off SmartScreen in Windows 10
If you’re experiencing issues with SmartScreen not blocking malicious websites, or if you simply want to disable it for the sake of experimentation, you can turn it off. Here’s how:
Step 1: Go to Settings
To access SmartScreen, you need to go to the Settings app on your Windows 10 device.
<https://www windows.com/en-US/settings>
In the Settings app, click on Security & monitoring.
https://www.windows.com/en-US/safety-privacy/resource-center/security-monitors
Step 2: Click on Change required apps
Once you’re in the Security & Monitoring settings, click on Change required apps on the left-hand side.
https://www.windows.com/en-US/safety-privacy/resource-center/security-monitors
Step 3: Select "Application Guard" and turn off SmartScreen
In the Change required apps window, scroll down to the Application Guard section. This feature allows you to block malicious websites while still allowing you to run applications in safe mode.
https://www.windows.com/en-US/safety-privacy/resource-center/security-monitors
To turn off SmartScreen:
- Check the box next to Block.
- Report: Select Report (not enabled by default).
This will disable SmartScreen, but don’t worry, you can still use Application Guard to block malicious websites.
Alternative Solution: Disable Microsoft Defender Windows 10
Another way to turn off SmartScreen is by disabling Microsoft Defender. Here’s how:
Step 1: Go to Settings
As mentioned earlier, go to the Settings app on your Windows 10 device.
Step 2: Click on Update & Security
In the Settings app, click on Update & Security.
https://www.windows.com/en-US/safety-privacy/resource-center/update-security
Step 3: Click on Security**
Once you’re in the Update & Security settings, click on Windows Defender.
https://www.windows.com/en-US/safety-privacy/resource-center/update-security/w-centralized-xbox/
Step 4: Select Windows Defender Firewall and allow incoming connections
In the Windows Defender Firewall settings, you’ll see a tab for Inbound Rules. Click on Windows Defender Firewall and then select Inbound Rules.
https://www.windows.com/en-US/safety-privacy/resource-center/windows-firewall/
- Select Allow an app through Windows Defender Firewall and add a new rule to allow incoming connections on port 135 (a common port used by some malicious websites).
Tips and Precautions
Before you turn off SmartScreen or disable Microsoft Defender, make sure you have a good reason to do so. Here are some important tips and precautions to keep in mind:
- Temporary blocking: If you need to temporarily block malicious websites, you can do so by clicking on the SmartScreen button at the top right corner of the screen and selecting Report. This will block the website until you sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Prioritize legitimate websites: Make sure you prioritize legitimate websites over malicious ones. Some websites may appear malicious but are actually safe.
- Use a antivirus software: Use a reputable antivirus software to scan your computer for any malware or viruses that may have been installed.
In conclusion, turning off SmartScreen in Windows 10 is a relatively straightforward process. By following these steps, you can disable SmartScreen and focus on protecting your device from malicious websites. Remember to keep your antivirus software up to date and prioritize legitimate websites to ensure your online safety.