There are tons of harmful websites that might look very legitimate and professional. If Windows warns you that an app you want to install might be malicious, do your research before you continue. Windows Defender can overreact, but it has good intentions. Especially when trying to connect an older device to a computer. Sometimes, it can prevent users from installing printers or scanners, and updating their drivers.

They can come from reliable developers and have no malicious intentions despite lacking Microsoft’s approval.

With that said, not all the applications that SmartScreen blocks are harmful. Otherwise, you can expose yourself to malware and infect your computer. We don’t recommend disabling Windows Defender SmartScreen unless you really know what you’re doing. Why would I want to disable Windows Defender SmartScreen? They all mean that Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting.īut as always, there is a workaround that allows you to install and launch any app you like. However, you might have encountered a different message - “Windows protected your PC” or “An administrator has blocked you from running this app”.

A pop-up appears with the message “This app has been blocked for your protection” and Windows 10 blocks it from launching. When Windows detects suspicious behavior, it immediately warns the user that the application might be unsafe. What does the “This app has been blocked for your protection” error means? You can also report suspicious programs to Microsoft if you think they have malicious intentions. Checks files you download against a list of files that are known and downloaded by many Windows users.Checks files you download against a list of unsafe programs.Checks websites you visit against a list of reported phishing and malware sites.Analyzes websites and looks for suspicious behavior (you don’t need to block websites yourself, it’s done automatically).Here’s how Windows Defender SmartScreen works: Windows Defender SmartScreen, first introduced in Windows 8, protects users against malware and phishing websites, and prevents malicious software downloads.

Disable microsoft defender smartscreen