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Disable Edge SmartScreen checks on downloads from trusted sources

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script lets you configure whether Microsoft Defender SmartScreen checks download reputation from a trusted source 1.

Edge determines a trusted source by checking its Internet zone 1. If the source comes from the local system, intranet, or trusted sites zone, then the download is considered trusted and safe 1.

By default, if you do not run this script, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen checks the download's reputation regardless of source 1. Once you run this script, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen doesn't check the download's reputation when downloading from a trusted source 1. This increases your privacy by removing the need to send data to Microsoft about downloaded files. It can also increase your performance by removing the processing need for the check. However, it may reduce your security against malicious software 2. CIS (Center of Internet Security) discourage this script and recommend allowing the checks 2. This increases security because SmartScreen can verify that downloads are from a trusted source will downloading an infected package to their machine 2.

This script applies only to Windows devices within a Microsoft Active Directory domain or managed in similar way 1. It is effective only on computers under organizational management, such as those in workplaces or schools. It's not applicable to personal computers that are not managed by an organization.

This script configures the SmartScreenForTrustedDownloadsEnabled policy 1 2. Changes will take effect after restarting the browser 1.

Caution
  • This will display the message "Your browser is managed by your organization" on the settings page.
  • Disabling SmartScreen may reduce your protection against phishing and malware.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users. This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable SmartScreen in Microsoft browsers category. This category provides scripts to disable SmartScreen in Microsoft browsers. SmartScreen is a security feature in Edge. When you visit websites or download files, SmartScreen checks the reputation of the URL or file. If SmartScreen determines that the site or file is malicious, it blocks access... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

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

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable Edge SmartScreen checks on downloads from trusted sources.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Configure "SmartScreenForTrustedDownloadsEnabled" Edge policy
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge!SmartScreenForTrustedDownloadsEnabled"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge' /v 'SmartScreenForTrustedDownloadsEnabled' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Restore "SmartScreenForTrustedDownloadsEnabled" Edge policy
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge!SmartScreenForTrustedDownloadsEnabled"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge' /v 'SmartScreenForTrustedDownloadsEnabled' /f 2>$null"

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