How to Enable or Disable SmartScreen Filter for Microsoft Store Apps

Let me explain you what is SmartScreen Filter first:

According to Microsoft When you browse Microsoft Edge then Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps you identify reported phishing and malware websites and also helps you make informed decisions about downloads.

The same way it checks apps when you try to download any unknown app.

Here are simple steps to turn off or turn on SmartScreen Filter for Microsoft Store apps:

1. In Start Search type Windows Security.

2.Click App & browser control

3.Scroll down to SmartScreen and select Off

#Via Group Policy Editor:

In Start Search type Gpedit.msc and hit the Enter Key.

Now go to “Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> File Explorer.”

Locate “Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen” policy.

Double click to open.

To disable the SmartScreen filter, select “Disabled.”

To enable select Enabled. Now you will find 2 options from the drop down menu:

Warn and prevent bypass

Warn

Click Ok/Apply.

 

 

#You can do the same through registry edit also:

In Start Search type Regedit and hit the Enter Key.

Now locate the following:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

Create a new DWORD value by selecting “New” and then “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name the value as “EnableSmartScreen.” Now, double-click on the newly created value and set its Value Data as “0.”

What is SmartScreen and how can it help protect me?