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Enable Edge SmartScreen warning dismissal for 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.
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Impact: HighSystem Functionality 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.
  • 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 allows users to bypass Edge SmartScreen warnings when downloading files.

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen warns users about potentially unsafe downloads 1 2 3. By default, users can bypass Microsoft Defender SmartScreen warnings and complete unverified downloads 1 2. This script maintains the default option, enabling users to bypass SmartScreen warnings if chosen.

This script allows users to override these warnings. This enhances user privacy by reducing the amount of data sent to Microsoft for file scanning. However, this may reduce security as it allows the completion of potentially harmful, unverified downloads. Restricting downloads to verified sources significantly lowers the risk of acquiring viruses, spyware, or other malicious software 3. Authorities like The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) 2 and The Center of Internet Security (CIS) 3 advise against bypassing SmartScreen due to security concerns.

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 PreventSmartScreenPromptOverrideForFiles policy 1 2 3. Changing this policy does not require restarting the browser to take effect 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.
  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 allows you to restore the default 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 "Enable Edge SmartScreen warning dismissal for 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 "Enable Edge SmartScreen warning dismissal for 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: Enable Edge SmartScreen warning dismissal for 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
:: Configure "PreventSmartScreenPromptOverrideForFiles" Edge policy
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge!PreventSmartScreenPromptOverrideForFiles"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge'; $data =  '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge' /v 'PreventSmartScreenPromptOverrideForFiles' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
Help

How to apply or restore "Enable Edge SmartScreen warning dismissal for 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 provides scripts to disable SmartScreen in Microsoft browsers. SmartScreen is a security feature in Edge. When you visit websites or downlo...

— Disable SmartScreen in Microsoft browsers

Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable SmartScreen in Microsoft browsers See settings that are in the same category as this guide.
Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.
See all 10 guides

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
    • Audited and verified using automated security tests

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments
    • Audited and verified using third-party security software

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential 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