How to Enable or Disable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Check Apps and Files from Web in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen in Windows 11. SmartScreen checks apps and files that you download from the web.

What Does SmartScreen Do?

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protects your computer from dangerous websites and malware. It checks files and apps before you download them.

On (Default): SmartScreen warns you that a download might be dangerous. You can choose to download it anyway or stop.

Off: SmartScreen stops warning you. You won’t get alerts about dangerous downloads.

What You Need

You must be logged in as an administrator to change these settings. ⚠️ Admin Required

Option One: Using Windows Security (Easiest)

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click App & browser control.
3. Click Reputation-based protection settings.
4. Find Check for apps and files. Turn it On or Off.
5. ⚠️ Admin Required: Click Yes when Windows asks for permission.
6. Close Windows Security when done.

Option Two: Using Registry Editor

Registry Editor lets you change SmartScreen settings directly in Windows files.

To Turn On SmartScreen (Default):

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer" /v SmartScreenEnabled /t REG_SZ /d Warn /f

To Turn Off SmartScreen:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer" /v SmartScreenEnabled /t REG_SZ /d Off /f

Option Three: Using Local Group Policy Editor

Note: This option only works on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education versions.

1. Press Windows Key + R and type gpedit.msc. Press Enter.
2. In the left panel, go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
3. Double-click Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen.
4. Choose one of these options:
   • Warn: SmartScreen warns you about dangerous apps but lets you download them.
   • Block: SmartScreen stops you from downloading dangerous apps.
   • Off: SmartScreen doesn’t check anything.
5. Click OK.
6. ⚠️ Admin Required: Close Local Group Policy Editor when done.

Option Four: Using Registry Editor (Advanced)

To Turn On SmartScreen and Block Dangerous Files:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v EnableSmartScreen /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v ShellSmartScreenLevel /t REG_SZ /d Block /f

To Turn On SmartScreen and Warn About Dangerous Files:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v EnableSmartScreen /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v ShellSmartScreenLevel /t REG_SZ /d Warn /f

To Turn Off SmartScreen:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v EnableSmartScreen /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Summary

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps protect your computer from dangerous downloads. You can control it in four ways:

• Option One is the easiest and best for most people.
• Options Two and Four use Registry Editor for advanced users.
• Option Three uses Group Policy Editor (only on Pro versions).

We recommend keeping SmartScreen On to stay safe. Set it to Warn if you want to be alerted but still able to download files, or Block if you want SmartScreen to stop dangerous downloads completely.