Windows Smartscreen is an important Windows feature that protects your computer from suspicious software. Previously, the filter was only built into the browser Internet Explorer, but starting with Windows 8 it became integral part the operating system itself. For the time being, the user may not be aware of the existence of a smartscreen, but at one point, when trying to install some program, a message will appear warning about a possible threat. What is this Windows filter, is it possible to disable it, and what are the consequences of such deactivation?
How Smartscreen works
As we have already noted, smartscreen functionality is integrated into the Internet Explorer browser. After the new browser appears Microsoft Edge He was also provided with similar protection. So downloading software through any of these browsers may be blocked if the smartscreen suddenly considers it potentially dangerous.
If the executable file is already on your computer, the filter will make itself known when you try to run it. A pop-up window with a warning message will give the user the option to either refuse or continue despite some risk.
And here the question arises, by what criteria does the filter classify applications as unwanted and is it worth ignoring the notification?
During his Windows operation Smartscreen refers to cloud base data that stores a list of programs and their rating. Information here comes from user computers that have the smartscreen filter enabled and the corresponding option is active, allowing the transfer Microsoft information about all installed software products. Based on the collected data, a trust rating is created, and if the downloaded application has a low security rating or is not in the store at all, 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 should simply use the button that allows you to continue executing the program. If the protection is triggered constantly, then it can be completely disabled. But in this case, it must be installed on the computer. good antivirus with constantly updated databases. Otherwise, the possibility of running malware cannot be ruled out. Let's say you are completely sure that you don't need Smartscreen. What are the ways to disable it?
How to disable SmartScreen in Explorer and Edge browsers
In Internet Explorer, to disable scanning of websites, first click on the gear in the upper right corner of the window, then select the “Security” line and the “Disable SmartScreen filter...” item.
Select the appropriate item in the window and save the settings.
To remove protection from Microsoft browser Edge, 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 the Smartscreen feature in Windows 10, go to Control Panel, and then to the “Security and Maintenance” section.
If the filter is enabled, then in the window that opens, the switch will be in the “Request administrator approval before launching an unidentified application from the Internet (recommended)” position. There are also two more points:
- Warn before running an unidentified 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 more sophisticated way is to use the Local Editor group policy. To run it, enter the command in the “Run” line (Win + R) gpedit.msc. In the editor window, follow the branch Computer Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows components- Conductor. On the right we find the option “Configure Windows Smartscreen” and click on it.
Disabling SmartScreen in the registry
Change Windows settings Smartscreen can be produced using 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, taking one of three values:
- RequireAdmin – request administrator confirmation;
- Prompt – display a warning, but do not require administrator confirmation;
- Off – disable the filter.
Set it to "Off" and Windows will no longer monitor application launches.
That's all we wanted to tell you about Smartscreen Windows system. Think and decide for yourself whether you need this function or whether your computer is already well protected.
Starting with the eighth version of Windows, the system has received an incomprehensible SmartScreen service, which clearly does not manifest itself, but when you start some applications, it displays a message on the screen stating that the program may be potentially dangerous or undesirable for execution, although in fact it is not dangerous. does not represent. Now we will look at how to disable Windows SmartScreen. We use operating systems 8 and 10 as examples.
What is SmartScreen Filter in Windows Operating Systems?
Before solving the task, you should understand what kind of service this is and why it is needed. As already mentioned, it all started with the “eight”. The developers tried to create a universal tool that would assess the security level of a particular application. In connection with this, many problems arose.
Firstly, the filter itself, when the program is launched, operates like a “cloud” and sends information about the application to Microsoft servers, where it is checked against a database that stores records of potentially dangerous or unwanted programs and applets. Secondly, and the saddest thing, the paradox is that the filter can work even if the application being launched is simply not in this database. This is where many users begin to puzzle over the problem of how to disable SmartScreen (in Windows 8, for example).
Feasibility of use
Just a little more patience. Of course, thanks to the specialists from Microsoft for taking care of the security of user systems and computer terminals, however, it seems that the service itself is not fully thought out. In addition, today there are certain groups of people who do not want data about the software products used on their machines to be sent to the Microsoft analysis center.
It is not surprising that in most cases this filter is interpreted by many as one of the means by which, for example, the same “ten” simply spy on the user. This is partly true. So, although many do not recommend it, turning off SmartScreen can partially eliminate such surveillance. Well, now let's move directly to practical actions.
Windows SmartScreen filter: how to disable the service in the simplest way using Windows 8 as an example
Since the filter originally appeared in the G8, we’ll take this particular system as an example. in Windows 8 in just a couple of minutes? Nothing could be simpler.
To begin with, through the computer icon on the “Desktop”, go to the appropriate section, click right click mouse over the free space where the connected disks and drives are displayed, and call up the properties menu (this can also be done by right-clicking on the computer icon itself).
In the “System” window at the bottom right you need to select the Action Center line, and then go to change Windows settings SmartScreen. A new window will offer three options: a request for confirmation by the administrator, a warning before execution, and no action. Select the third item and save the changes. After this, annoying messages will stop appearing.
Disabling through the “Control Panel” using the example of Windows 10
Another method that allows you to understand how to disable Windows SmartScreen, say, in “ten”, is quite simple and does not require special knowledge.
First, go to the “Control Panel” (you can call it from the list of tools by pressing the Win + X keys). Here we are interested in the security and maintenance section, which contains a link to configure SmartScreen settings. When you enter the settings, the same menu will be displayed as in the previous example, where you will only have to select required action and save the changes made.
Changing Group Policy settings
Another effective, although more complex, way to solve the question “how to disable Windows SmartScreen” is to change Group Policy settings, which are accessed by entering the gpedit.msc command in the Run menu field. This method is convenient because you can turn off the filter at the level local users, and not for the entire system as a whole.
So, here, first, we use the computer configuration, go to administrative templates, and then through the components section we get to “Explorer”. On the right in the list will be the line we need. When entering the settings, change preferences similarly to the options described above. Separately, it is worth saying that if you make the settings using this method, in the future the technique shown in the first two cases will not be available.
Disabling the filter through the system registry
Finally, the question of how to disable Windows SmartScreen can be resolved by changing the registry keys. If you look at it, in general, this method duplicates changing Group Policy settings, however, it cannot be ignored.
Here you need to enter the HKLM branch, having previously called the editor with the regedit command, where, going down the Software section tree, then Microsoft, then Windows, then CurrentVersion, get to the final destination - Explorer. This is where the SmartScreen setting is located (by default it is set to Enable).
We change the options as before, only now they will be presented in English:
- RequireAdmin - by default, a request for confirmation by the administrator.
- Prompt - confirmation before execution.
- Off - complete shutdown.
Bottom line
As you can see, you can disable the filter in several simple ways, which, in general, do not require special knowledge. The question is: which method to choose? Naturally, as the most quick option the disabling described in the first example is suitable, however, if you are administering a computer on which several users work, it is better to turn to the group policy settings at the access level with administrator rights.
The SmartScreen filter is designed to protect your computer from exposure to malware, in the eighth and all subsequent versions it is built into operating system Windows. Previously by Microsoft the filter was integrated only into the Internet Explorer browser, and then it was decided to expand the range of SmartScreen’s impact on system operation in order to ensure maximum security.
Built-in protection runs with Windows, preventing potential threats using a cloud-based algorithm. If you try to download a file, SmartScreen runs it through its databases, collecting security information. When a file you download is listed as unsafe or not there at all in the filter database, SmartScreen blocks its launch and displays a notification informing the user about this.
Sometimes the filter turns out to be too careful and, without proper information, prevents the programs you need from running. A false alarm may not be caused by a virus, but simply by the lack of a digital signature or by the insufficient number of downloads of this software to collect statistics. If you are confident in the security of the file, and, despite the warnings of the service, intend to launch it, then such intrusive protection may force you to decide to disable this function. There are several ways to disable Smartscreen in Windows 10, 8, 7. When taking strict measures to stop the service, remember that your actions may adversely manifest themselves in the future, endangering the system and computer data, but if you have powerful antivirus Of course, you don't have to worry about it.
If you use Internet browsers Explorer or Edge, where you get notifications from SmartScreen about unsafe resources, it makes sense to disable them specifically.
Disable SmartScreen in Edge Browser
- Launch the browser and go to the settings.
- Click “View additional options.”
- In the item to protect the Internet browser using SmartScreen, at the bottom of the list that opens, move the slider to the off position.
- After Edge restarts, the changed settings will take effect.
Disabling the service for Windows Store apps
The filter controls the addresses that applications refer to and can block the launch of some of them, then you can remove this function.
- Go through Start to the Settings window.
- Open General in the Privacy tab and turn off SmartScreen verification.
Via Control Panel
You can do the same in any version of the system. If the security settings are not editable, you can remove the SmartScreen component from the registry.
Using the system registry
- We launch the registry. By calling the Run dialog by pressing the Win+R hotkeys, enter the regedit command.
- Go to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE section, then open SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows, then CurrentVersion and, finally, Explorer.
- Switch the enabled SmartScreenEnabled function to off.
Via Group Policy Editor
Professional or corporate Windows version 10 assumes additional opportunity deactivation of the SmartScreen service thanks to the LGP editor.
Read about What is Windows Defender SmartScreen, how much does it use PC resources and how to disable it. Windows Defender SmartScreen helps protect your computer from malware downloaded from the Internet and malicious websites. The “SmartScreen” process with the file name “smartscreen.exe”, which can be found in the task manager, is responsible for this function.
So what is the “SmartScreen” process and what exactly does it do?
Process "SmartScreen" was added back in Windows 8, and with each update it is constantly improving in Windows 10. Every time you launch any program or file, "SmartScreen" scans them for presence in the database "Microsoft". If the file was previously added to the database as safe (for example, if you run the installer « Google Chrome» or "iTunes") then this program will not be blocked. If this file was previously flagged as malicious, then "SmartScreen" will block it from launching. If specific file not found in the database "Microsoft", That "SmartScreen" will prevent this file from running and display a warning for you. And it will give you the opportunity to decide whether to run this file or program at your own risk or not.
This service is also used in the browser "Microsoft Edge" and application "Microsoft Store", to block harmful or unwanted web content. Nevertheless, "SmartScreen" in the Windows 10 operating system, constantly checks downloaded data from the Internet, no matter what browser or download software you use. It works great with any modern browsers such as "Google Chrome", "Opera", « Mozilla Firefox» etc., constantly scanning data, both during regular web surfing and when downloading any content.
Process "SmartScreen"– this is another level of security in addition to the standard one Windows Defender which is running as an executable service process "Antimalware" on your PC. Having multiple layers of security helps to better protect your computer. Even if you use any other antivirus program and web browser with own functions protection against malware.
How much does it use PC resources?
In most cases the process "SmartScreen" works in background and uses almost no resources personal computer. You can find out exactly how much a process consumes in "Task Manager", it uses almost no resources "CPU"(0%) and takes up only a few megabytes random access memory(RAM – 4.3 MB). Windows may automatically close this process when it is not in use, so sometimes you may not be able to find it in "Task Manager".
However, if the OS has the function enabled "SmartScreen", and you download or launch a new application or file, it will resume its work and scan the data. The operating system will automatically launch it if it was unloaded earlier, and then you can see exactly how much processor resources and RAM it requires to operate. Because the, "SmartScreen" calculates "hash data" file, sends this data to the server "Microsoft" and waits for a response to know if the file is safe or not. If it is safe, then the system runs the application or file as normal.
Filter "SmartScreen" used in conjunction with normal antivirus scans, which are performed using an executable file process "Antimalware" if you are using « Windows Defender» by default as yours antivirus program.
In any case, the amount of CPU and RAM resources used should be quite low, and the entire process of running a given service should be very fast and almost invisible to users. At the same time, scanning large files takes longer than smaller ones. This check is performed only the first time a loaded program is launched or the first time a file is accessed; it will not be performed again and, accordingly, PC resources will not be consumed.
Is it possible to disable SmartScreen?
The operating system will not give you the option to completely disable the process "SmartScreen". Even if you quit "SmartScreen" in Windows, the process will still restart automatically when you log back into the operating system. At the same time, we do not recommend terminating it, since it practically does not use computer resources. But, if necessary, you can forcefully terminate this process in "Task Manager".
Also, it cannot be prevented from restarting again and using CPU and RAM resources in the background.
"SmartScreen"- this is extremely useful feature ensuring system security, another level of PC protection from malware. Even if you use software security from third party developers, then "SmartScreen" will be another level of protection, without interfering with the operation of your antivirus. In addition, file databases "Microsoft" are updated quite quickly and, perhaps, this function can protect your computer even before your antivirus database is updated.
However, to disable the filter "SmartScreen" on Windows 10, go to "Start" – > "Options" – > "Update and Security" – > Windows Defender. Next, click on the button "Open Windows Defender Security Center".
>Could it be a virus?
On this moment time, I have not seen information on the Internet that any malware is masquerading as a process "SmartScreen" or "smartscreen.exe". It is built-in Windows function 10 and helps to protect your computer from malware. Every day new viruses, Trojans, bots and various kinds of network worms appear on the Internet. It is quite possible that one day a virus will appear that will appear to the system as a process "SmartScreen". If you are concerned that there may be malware on your PC, then it is always a good idea to run full scan system using your antivirus program to make sure everything is fine with your system.
SmartScreen Filter is a feature introduced in Windows 8 designed to improve the security of Internet surfing. The filter's job is to detect and block access to fake sites and web pages that ask for permission to install malicious plugins and applications on your computer. The basis of the filter's functioning is cloud service with site ratings.
Let's look at how to disable SmartScreen in Windows 10 due to the imperfection of its operation, which is why the function can prevent the user from visiting many useful resources.
Traffic filtering algorithms
Before disabling SmartScreen, let’s get acquainted with the algorithm of its operation and identify any shortcomings in it. So, the filter monitors applications installed by the user in real time and sends their IDs to Microsoft servers. There the digital signature of each of them is checked. Based on the test results, a conclusion is made about the safety of such a program. Additionally, SmartScreen has several functions to identify suspicious and malicious sites:
- checking whether the page you are visiting is in the updated list of phishing resources and blocking it if positive result checks;
- searching for suspicious content among the site's contents and then blocking access to the site when it is detected;
- scanning downloaded files for belonging to the list of unsafe ones, based on the download history of millions of users.
The instructions provide three methods for deactivating the browser’s built-in protection against malicious and unwanted content on Internet resources.
Deactivate the filter using the Group Policy Editor
The professional and corporate editions of "Ten" contain in their toolkit a group policy editor, which the home edition of "Ten" lacks.
1. It is launched by executing the command “gpedit.msc” through the search line or in the command interpreter window (Win + R).
2. Go to the address “Computer Configuration → Admin. templates → Windows Components → Explorer.”
3. In the right frame, find the “Configure Windows SmartScreen” parameter, double-click on its name and move the checkbox to the “Enabled” position.
4. In the “Edit policy settings” menu located above in the left corner of the Explorer tab, select “Disable SmartScreen”, click “OK” and close the window. The changes take effect immediately after application; no restarting of the computer is required.
Disable the filter using the Control Panel
Let's look at how to disable SmartScreen in Windows 10 using the Control Panel at the system level (this means that the filter will not work when running previously downloaded Edge browser executable files).
1. Go to the control panel using the Win+X menu.
2. Call the applet called “Security and Maintenance” if the icons are visualized as large icons, or go to “System and Security” → “Security/Maintenance” if visualization of icons in the form of “Category” is enabled.
3. In the left vertical menu, follow the link that says: “Change Windows SmartScreen settings.”
Attention! Administrator privileges are required to perform the action.
4. In the “What do you want to do with unidentified...” window, choose the “Do nothing...” option.
5. Click “OK”, then “Done”.
It happens that all the options in the filter configuration window that opens are inactive. One of the following methods will help you get rid of this misunderstanding.
We launch the registry editor by executing the “regedit” command in the “Run” window or search bar. Go to the section “HKLM\Software\Policies\ Microsoft Windows System", we find the "EnableSmartScreen" key, which is responsible for the functioning of the filter, and delete it. Then restart Explorer.
Using Windows edition 10, distinguishable from home, call the Group Policy Editor by executing “gpedit.msc”. In the snap-in that opens, go to the address “Computer Configuration”, go to “Admin. Templates", expand "Windows Components", click on "Explorer". We carry out double click under “Configure Windows SmartScreen” and move the checkbox to the “Disabled” position. Save the changes made.
Sometimes new settings require restart Windows 10.
Disabling the filter in the Edge browser
Knowing that the SmartScreen function is designed for the Edge Internet browser, it is logical to assume that it is disabled in it if necessary.
- Go to the browser “Options” through the icon located in the upper right corner of the window.
- We move almost to the very bottom and click “Show additional parameters”.
- At the end of the list there is a switch responsible for enabling and disabling SmartScreen.
- Click on it to move it to the “Off” position.
Disabling SmartScreen for products from the app store for the “ten”
Regardless of anything, the filter functions to check applications installed from the Windows 10 store and scan the addresses that they access during operation (for example, to receive updates). This often results in the program crashing.
- To deactivate the function of monitoring network use by applications from the Windows 10 store, call “Settings” (Win + I).
- Go to “Confidentiality”, then to “General”.
- Move the switch next to the option “Enable SmartScreen to scan web content…” to the first position.
A similar way to disable the SmartScreen filter:
- go to the registry editor and expand the HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppHost section;
- We find the “EnableWebContentEvaluation” key and change its value to zero or create a DWORD 32 parameter with the same name and value if it is missing.
After this, it will be possible to launch an application that does not have a digital signature in Windows environment 10 and visit a site that is on the list of potentially unsafe.
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