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Windows Defender SmartScreen is blocking unrecognized apps
3 min. read
Updated onApril 3, 2024
updated onApril 3, 2024
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Key notes
Windows Defenderis a very good built-in security tool. However, it can occasionally be quite a bothersome experience due to frequent notifications and actions.
We’re talking especially about theMicrosoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from startingmessage.
Microsoft can say that’s for your own good, but that’s something a user needs to decide. Let’s takeWindows Defender‘s SmartScreen which deals with third-party apps.
Lots of users are not thrilled by the frequent preventive blockage of apps inWindows 10. We gave our best to explain why this is the case and how to disable SmartScreen on your own accord.
What can I do when Windows Defender blocks apps?
1. What does this prompt mean
Windows SmartScreen is part ofWindows Defenderwhich deals with unknown (uncertified) apps.
If a third-party application is not certified or it’s known as a malicious piece of software, Windows will prevent it from installing or executing.
When you download a third-party application from an untrusted source, chances are that it will get blocked.
This is the first line of defense against malicious software, and we wouldn’t recommend disabling it.
At least, if you’re not 100% sure that the applications you install are not a threat to your system. Or have an alternative way to locate possible threats.
Allowing the app to run and dismissing the prompt is a rather simple task. Just clickMorebelow the warning. Then click on theRun anywayoption and you’re good to go.
After that, you should be able to run the application. Now, for some applications, this stands only for the installation part.
If you want to avoid blocking during the usage, right-click on the shortcut and openProperties. Under theGeneraltab, at the bottom, check theUnblockbox.
2. How to disable SmartScreen
On the other hand, if you’re tired of SmartScreen’s methods or have a third-party tool that deals with this kind of threat, you can disable it for good.
Since the introduction of Windows Security Center, you can disable this feature with ease. We made sure to provide you with the required steps above.
3. Install a better antivirus
Windows Defender is a first line of defense against any threats and it’s doing a decent job on that. However, as you can see, you can experience such annoyances and errors.
After you finish tweaking it by using our solutions, you should think about getting yourself a better third-party antivirus that will not bother you with these kinds of problems.
The tool recommended below is trusted by over 110 million users who installed it, so you know it’s a reliable solution.
Moreover, this software is focused on securing all your online transactions and will even take care of your privacy by blocking access to your webcam to any wrongdoers.
ESET HOME Security Essential
We hope that you managed to deal with theWindows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from startingwarning and got rid of the annoying prompts that were distracting you.
If this built-in security solution is still giving you headaches, it’s worth installing one of thebest antiviruses with unlimited licensesfor higher protection.
Make sure to tell us whether this was a helpful read in the comments section below.
More about the topics:windows 10 apps,Windows Defender issues
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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