How to Enable Windows Defender SmartScreen for Apps and Web

What Causes This?

Windows Defender SmartScreen can be turned off by a user, changed by another security tool, or disabled by a work or school policy. In some cases, Windows security settings get changed during troubleshooting, after a Windows update, or when privacy or “debloat” tools modify built-in protections. If SmartScreen is off, Windows may stop warning you about suspicious apps, downloads, and websites.

Common Symptoms

• You do not see SmartScreen warnings before opening unknown apps or files
• Microsoft Edge is not blocking suspicious websites or downloads
• Windows Security shows SmartScreen settings as off
• Options under Reputation-based protection are greyed out or unavailable
• You are unsure whether app and web protection is enabled

How to Fix It Manually

1. Open Windows Security

   • Press Start, type Windows Security, then open it.
   • Click App & browser control in the left menu or main window.

2. Turn on Reputation-based protection

   • Under Reputation-based protection, click Reputation-based protection settings.
   • Turn on these options if available:
     • Check apps and files
     • SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge
     • Potentially unwanted app blocking
     • SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps
   • If you see a Warn or Block choice, choose the safer option that fits your needs. For most users, Warn is a good starting point.

3. Check that Microsoft Defender is active

   • In Windows Security, click Virus & threat protection.
   • Make sure Microsoft Defender is running and not fully replaced by another antivirus product.
   • If another antivirus is installed, some SmartScreen settings may still work, but parts of Windows Security can be limited or managed differently.

4. Confirm SmartScreen settings in Microsoft Edge

   • Open Microsoft Edge.
   • Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, then choose Settings.
   • Go to Privacy, search, and services.
   • Scroll down to the Security section.
   • Make sure Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is turned on.

5. Check for policy restrictions if settings are greyed out

   • If this is a work or school PC, your organization may manage SmartScreen.
   • Open Settings > Accounts > Access work or school and see if the device is connected to an organization.
   • If it is, you may need to contact your IT admin to change the setting.

6. Use Group Policy on Windows Pro or Enterprise

   • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
   • Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
   • Open Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen.
   • Set it to Enabled, then choose Warn.
   • Also check Windows Components > Microsoft Edge if SmartScreen policies are configured there.
   • Restart your PC after making changes.

7. Restart and test

   • Restart Windows.
   • Open Windows Security > App & browser control again and confirm the protections remain enabled.
   • Try downloading a harmless test file from a known source only if you want to confirm warnings appear normally.

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