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

What Does SmartScreen Do?

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is a built-in Windows tool that acts like a security guard for your computer, checking apps and files you download to keep you safe from risky downloads and websites.

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

Off: When it’s off, SmartScreen stops sending you warnings, so you won’t get alerts about potentially dangerous downloads.

What You Need

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

Option 1Using 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 2Using Registry Editor

You can change Microsoft Defender SmartScreen settings by using the Registry Editor, a tool that lets you make direct changes to Windows system files, but it’s best for those comfortable with advanced computer settings.

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 3Using Local Group Policy Editor

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can adjust Microsoft Defender SmartScreen settings through the Local Group Policy Editor, a tool that gives you control over your computer’s security features.

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 4Using Registry Editor (Advanced)

For more advanced control over Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, you can use the Registry Editor with specific commands to choose whether to block dangerous files entirely or just show a warning.

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 is an important tool to keep your PC safe from risky downloads, and you can manage its settings in a few different ways, from simple clicks to advanced registry or group policy edits.

• 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.