How to Turn On SmartScreen Enhanced Phishing Protection in Windows 11
This guide will help you turn on a feature called Enhanced Phishing Protection on your Windows 11 PC. It warns you if you accidentally save your passwords in unsafe places like Notepad or Microsoft Office apps.
Enhanced Phishing Protection is part of Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. It helps keep your passwords safe by warning you about possible phishing risks or unsafe storage.
This protection comes built into Windows 11 and works with Microsoft Defender to protect your device and online accounts. Windows also includes other security features like Controlled folder access, Real-time protection, Tamper protection, and Ransomware protection through Microsoft Security.
When you turn on Microsoft Defender SmartScreen with enhanced protection, Windows will alert you if you save passwords in unsafe apps like Notepad, Word, or other Microsoft 365 apps, and suggest you remove those passwords from the files.
Navigate to Windows Security, then App & browser control, and finally Reputation-based protection settings. Toggle the Phishing protection switch on or off to enable or disable Enhanced Phishing Protection. This feature warns you when saving passwords in unsafe applications.
How to Turn On or Off Password Storage Warnings in 🪟 Windows 11
Follow these simple steps to enable or disable warnings about saving passwords in unsafe apps.
- Open Windows Security:
Click the search box on your taskbar (the bar usually at the bottom of your screen). Type Windows Security and click the app from the list.
windows disable password reuse warning - Go to App & Browser Control:
In Windows Security, click on the App & browser control tile.
windows 11 app and browser control updated - Open Reputation-based Protection Settings:
Under Reputation-based protection, click on Reputation-based protection settings.
windows 11 reputation based protection settings updated - Turn On Phishing Protection:
Find Phishing protection and toggle it to On. When this is on, you can also turn on warnings for unsafe password storage.
windows 11 warn me about unsafe password storage
Alternative: Use Local Group Policy Editor (For Advanced Users)
If you prefer, or if the above method doesn’t work, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to change these settings.
- Click the Start Menu and type Edit group policy, then select it from the list.
windows 11 edit group policy - In the left panel, go to:Code
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender SmartScreen > Enhanced Phishing Protection
- On the right side, find and double-click Notify Unsafe Apps.
windows 11 notify unsafe apps - Choose one of these options:
- Not Configured (default)
- Enabled (turns on warnings)
- Disabled (turns off warnings)
windows 11 notify unsafe apps settings - Click OK to save your changes and then close the editor.
Summary
- Enhanced Phishing Protection helps keep your passwords safe by warning you if you save them in unsafe apps.
- You can turn this protection on or off through Windows Security settings.
- Advanced users can also use the Local Group Policy Editor to control these warnings.
- Using these features helps protect your personal info and keep your computer safer.
For more details, visit the full guide here: Enhanced Phishing Protection in Windows 11.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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