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Disable SmartScreen checks for apps and files

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: High

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: High

    This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This script disables the SmartScreen checks for apps and files.

SmartScreen protects users by warning them before running potentially malicious programs downloaded from the internet 1. This warning appears as a dialog box before you run an unrecognized or known malicious app downloaded from the internet 1. These checks are part of SmartScreen's reputation-based protection 2. This feature is enabled by default 1. Microsoft collects data about the files and programs you run when this feature is enabled 1 3.

This script stops SmartScreen from alerting you about potentially malicious apps and files 1 2 4 5. It enhances privacy by stopping data collection required for SmartScreen checks. Microsoft suggests disabling it to manage connections and protect your privacy 6. The CIS Center for Internet Security mentions the potential privacy impact of keeping this feature enabled due to Microsoft data collection 3. This script also boosts system performance by reducing the overhead of SmartScreen checks. This gives users more freedom to choose applications and download files.

However, this change may increase the risk of downloading harmful apps and files by reducing safety checks. Authorities like DISA 7 and the CIS Center for Internet Security 3 recommend keeping it enabled as a security measure.

This script configures the following registry keys:

  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer!SmartScreenEnabled 4 5 8: This action simulates the action of turning off SmartScreen via the Windows user interface to change user settings 4 5.
  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System!EnableSmartScreen 1 3 6 7 9: Sets Group Policy Object (GPO) to enforce this setting and prevent users from changing it 1.
Caution

Disabling SmartScreen may reduce your protection against phishing and malware.

  1. Not Advised

    This script should only be used by advanced users.

    This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.

    Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.

  2. Security Trade-off

    This action prioritizes privacy over certain security features. It's not recommended and should only be used by advanced users after understanding its implications.

    Increased Privacy

    Enhanced privacy through reduced data collection and tracking

    Decreased Security

    Some security features will be disabled or limited

    This script can be reversed, this action allows you to can restore the system security.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable SmartScreen checks for apps and files" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable SmartScreen checks for apps and files" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Disable SmartScreen checks for apps and files
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer!SmartScreenEnabled"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer'; $data = 'Off'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer' /v 'SmartScreenEnabled' /t 'REG_SZ' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer!SmartScreenEnabled"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer'; $data = 'Off'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer' /v 'SmartScreenEnabled' /t 'REG_SZ' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System!EnableSmartScreen"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System' /v 'EnableSmartScreen' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable SmartScreen checks for apps and files" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.

See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.

These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.

This category includes scripts to disable SmartScreen for apps and files. SmartScreen is a security feature that checks the reputation of apps and files you downlo...
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Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable SmartScreen for apps and files 

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Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.

Disable SmartScreen for Store apps
Enable SmartScreen warning dismissal for apps

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process