How to enable\disable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen in Windows 10 and 11

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is a built-in Windows security feature that helps protect your PC from phishing attacks, malicious websites, and potentially dangerous downloads. While it’s generally a good idea to keep it on, there may be valid reasons to turn it off—like if you’re running trusted internal software that keeps getting flagged.

Here’s how to enable or disable SmartScreen on Windows 10 and 11.

What SmartScreen Does

Before we get to the steps, a quick recap:

• SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge: Warns about unsafe websites and downloads.
• SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps: Checks web content used by apps from the Microsoft Store.
• SmartScreen for Windows: Warns you before running unrecognized apps and files from the internet.

Option 1: Through Windows Security Settings

This is the most straightforward method.

Steps for Windows 10 & 11:

1. Click Start, then go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security.
2. Click App & browser control.
3. Under Reputation-based protection, click Reputation-based protection settings.
4. Here, you can toggle the following:
   • Check apps and files
   • SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge
   • Potentially unwanted app blocking
   • SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps
   Use the toggles to turn each one On or Off as needed.

Option 2: Using the Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro editions)

This is useful for admins or advanced users.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → File Explorer
3. Find Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen.
4. Double-click it and choose:
   • Enabled → Then choose Warn or Warn and prevent.
   • Disabled → To turn off SmartScreen.

Click Apply and OK to save.

⚠️ Note: Group Policy is only available on Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Option 3: Using the Registry Editor (For Advanced Users)

Warning: Editing the registry can mess up your system if done wrong. Proceed with caution.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
3. Create or modify a DWORD value named:
   • SmartScreenEnabled
4. Set its value:
   • RequireAdmin or Warn = Enabled
   • Off = Disabled

Reboot your PC to apply changes.

Should You Disable It?

Only disable SmartScreen if you have a specific reason and know what you’re doing. For most users, it’s best to leave it on—it’s a lightweight layer of protection that doesn’t get in your way unless there’s a genuine red flag.

Final Thoughts

SmartScreen is part of the layered defense system in Windows. Whether you’re customizing it for a secure internal environment or tweaking it for performance, knowing how to control it gives you flexibility.

Have questions or need help with another Windows setting? Drop them in the comments below.