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FIX: This unsafe download was blocked by SmartScreen

7 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Microsoft SmartScreen is a security mechanism that can protect you from malware and phishing attacks. In addition, this filter can protect you from potentially dangerous files.

Unfortunately,usersreported theThis unsafe download was blocked by SmartScreenmessage while downloading certain files, and today we’re going to show you how to fix it onWindows10.

How do I bypass the Microsoft SmartScreen filter onWindows10? The simplest way is the ‘Download unsafe file’ option. This only applies if you’re absolutely certain that the file is safe and the message is the result of an error.

A more complicated solution that will surely work is to disable the SmartScreen.

If you want to know how to do that, keep on reading.

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So, you get a free VPN that has no traffic quota, an ad-blocker that will prevent adware from spamming you, and a tracker-blocker so anything you do remains unrecorded.

With so many layers of protection, having to deal with unsafe downloads will be a thing of the past as soon as possible.

Opera One

What do I do when SmartScreen blocks unsafe downloads?

1. Click the Download unsafe file option

Sometimes, theThis unsafe download was blocked by SmartScreenmessage that can appear while downloading certain files.

If you’re certain that your file isn’t malicious and that it comes from a safe source, you can easily fix the problem by locating the file in the download list, right-clicking it, and choosingDownload unsafe file.

If you’re usingInternet Explorer, you can download unsafe files by following similar steps:

2. Disable SmartScreen

You can also turn off SmartScreen Filter right fromInternet Explorer. To do that, follow these steps:

If you’re frequently getting theThis unsafe download was blocked by SmartScreenmessage, you might want to consider disabling SmartScreen entirely.

If you’re usingMicrosoft Edge, you can disable SmartScreen by following these steps:

You can also disable SmartScreen by using theWindows Defender Security Center. Keep in mind this method might not work on your PC if you haveWindowsDefender disabled or if you’re using athird-party antivirus.

To disable SmartScreen using this method, do the following:

If you’re an advanceduser, you can disable SmartScreen forEdgebymodifying your registry.

Remember, modifying theregistrycan lead to certain issues if you’re not careful and therefore it’s highly recommended you create a registry backup just in case.

To disable SmartScreen using theRegistry Editor, follow these steps:

After disabling SmartScreen forInternet ExplorerorEdgeyou should be able to download your files without any issues. Keep in mind that these methods will completely disable SmartScreen protection, meaning that it won’t scan downloaded files or websites you visit.

While this can be a security concern for someusers, with third-party antivirus software installed, you should have no issues.

If you want, you can also disable SmartScreen system-wide. To do that, follow these steps:

You can also disable SmartScreen system-wide by usingRegistry Editor. To do that, follow these steps:

If you don’t want to modify yourregistry, you can also disable SmartScreen by changing yourGroup Policy. To do that, follow these steps:

By using one of these methods, you’ll completely disable SmartScreen on yourWindows10 PC, which will allow you to download and run any file you want.

Disclaimer: Some settings, file paths, or options can differ depending on yourWindows10 version and patch. Be sure to check similar named features/options.

If you’re aware of another way to solve the problem, please share it in the comments section below. If you have any other questions, post them there, as well.

When you visit a website, SmartScreen compared the code on the respective page with its database to detect threats. If there is any string of code matching its threat database, the tool blocks your access to the respective website.

SmartScreen is a very useful security feature that protects your computer against malware and phishing attacks and it is not recommended to disable it. The security risks you run by turning SmartScreen off are far greater than the benefits.

Here are the steps to follow to disable SmartScreen:

FIX: This unsafe download was blocked by SmartScreen#

Opera One#

What do I do when SmartScreen blocks unsafe downloads?#

1. Click the Download unsafe file option#

2. Disable SmartScreen#

FIX: This unsafe download was blocked by SmartScreen

Opera One

What do I do when SmartScreen blocks unsafe downloads?

1. Click the Download unsafe file option

2. Disable SmartScreen