How to Turn Off SmartScreen Filter in Windows 11

Learn how to disable SmartScreen Filter in Windows 11 with our step-by-step guide. Protect your privacy and customize your browsing experience today.

SmartScreen Filter is a security feature in Windows 11/10 that helps protect your computer from malicious websites and downloads. It works by analyzing websites and files for potentially harmful content and blocking them from being accessed or downloaded. While this feature can be useful in keeping your computer safe, it can also sometimes be a hindrance, especially if you are trying to access a legitimate website or download a safe file that might be flagged by the filter. In such cases, you may want to turn off the SmartScreen Filter. In this article, we will discuss how to turn off SmartScreen Filter in Windows 11.

Method 1: Via Windows 11/10 Settings

The easiest way to turn off the SmartScreen Filter in Windows 11/10 is through the Settings menu. Here’s how:

1. Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon (represented by a gear icon).

2. In the Settings menu, click on the “Update & Security” option.

3. In the left panel, click on “Windows Security.”

4. In the right panel, click on “App & browser control.”

5. Under the “Check apps and files” section, click on the “Off” option next to “SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge.”

6. Similarly, under the “SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps” section, click on the “Off” option.

7. Close the Settings window.

This should turn off the SmartScreen Filter on your Windows 11/10 computer.

Method 2: Using the Local Group Policy Editor

If you have Windows 11/10 Pro or Enterprise edition, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to turn off the SmartScreen Filter. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

3. In the left panel, navigate to “Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.”

4. In the right panel, double-click on “Configure Windows SmartScreen.”

5. In the window that opens, select the “Disabled” option and click on “Apply” and then “OK.”

6. Close the Local Group Policy Editor.

This should disable the SmartScreen Filter on your Windows 11/10 computer.

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

If you have Windows 11/10 Home edition, you can use the Registry Editor to turn off the SmartScreen Filter. Here’s how:

Note: It is recommended to backup your registry before making any changes.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

3. In the left panel, navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System.”

4. In the right panel, right-click on an empty space and select “New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.”

5. Name the new value “EnableSmartScreen” and press Enter.

6. Double-click on the “EnableSmartScreen” value and change the value data to “0” to turn off the SmartScreen Filter.

7. Click on “OK” and close the Registry Editor.

This should disable the SmartScreen Filter on your Windows 11/10 computer.

The SmartScreen Filter is a useful security feature in Windows 11/10, but it can sometimes be a hindrance. If you find that it is blocking your access to legitimate websites or downloads, you can easily turn it off using one of the methods mentioned above. However, it is important to note that turning off the SmartScreen Filter may leave your computer vulnerable to potential threats, so it is recommended to only do so if you are confident about the source of the website or file you are accessing. Stay safe while browsing the internet!