SmartScreen is a feature in Microsoft Edge that helps you browse more safely by alerting you to suspicious web pages, blocking phishing and malicious sites, and screening downloads. Learn how to turn SmartScreen on or off, report unsafe or safe sites, and understand the difference between SmartScreen and pop-up blockers.

Windows 11 Windows 10. Select Start , then open Settings . Under Privacy & security , select Virus & threat protection. Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings, and then under Exclusions, select Add or remove exclusions. Select Add an exclusion, and then select from files, folders, file types, or process.

App & browser control in Windows Security provides the settings for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which helps protect your device from potentially dangerous apps, files, websites, and downloads. The settings on the App & browser control page let you: Block unrecognized apps, files, malicious sites, downloads, and web content.

Use a modern browser, such as the new Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge uses Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which helps block potentially unwanted apps. Keep your device up-to-date with the latest updates for Windows, your browser, and your apps. Tip: Reboot your PC at least once a week.

Download. What it fixes. Checks the following Windows security features and enables them if needed. Phishing Filter or Smartscreen Filter. User Account Control (UAC) Data Execution Prevention (DEP) Windows Firewall. Antivirus protection status and updates. Runs on. Windows 7. Windows 8.1. Windows 10. See also. Stay protected with Windows Security.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a powerful tool that finds and removes malware from your PC. Here's how to use it in Windows 10 or 11 to scan your PC. Important: Before you use Microsoft Defender Offline, make sure to save any open files and close apps and programs. Open your Windows Security settings.

When you get a new device and start up Windows 10 for the first time, the antivirus protection that comes installed with the device is your default security app.

Windows 10. Potentially unwanted applications (PUA) are a category of software that can cause your machine to run slowly, display unexpected ads, or at worst, install other software which may be more harmful or annoying. Windows Security has reputation-based protection that can help protect your PC from potentially unwanted applications.

When you are attempting to run an application and it gets blocked by Smart Screen because the signature is no longer valid and now lists Publisher: Unknown. The application will not open. This publisher has been blocked from running software on your machine. When attempting to open an application. Generic trust failure

Enable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. Enable enhanced tracking prevention. Enable secure DNS. Use Microsoft Edge's password manager. Exercise caution when downloading files. Browse anonymously with InPrivate browsing. Install extensions for added security. Keep Microsoft Edge Updated.