How To Disable Windows 8 SmartScreen
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Windows 8 includes a security feature called SmartScreen, that alerts you when installing unrecognized files from the Internet.
Windows 8 includes a security feature called SmartScreen. It warns you before running unrecognized apps and files from the Internet. If you’re an experienced power user, you know what you’re installing and don’t need the annoyance.
Note: If you’re new to Windows 8 or an inexperienced user, I recommend leaving SmartScreen on. It does help protect you from installing malicious software, and it just might stop you from installing a shady toolbar, wallpaper, or file-sharing program you thought was safe. In addition, Windows 8 consuemer support is no longer available.
Windows 8 SmartScreen
Here’s an example of what you’ll see from the SmartScreen when trying to install an unrecognized app. I got this when installing the Open Source Start menu replacement for Windows 8 – Classic Shell.
- Since it’s a safe program, click Run Anyway. Then, you’ll be able to work your way through the install wizard like normal.
- What I find funny about this example is Classic Shell, among other Windows 8 settings, allows you to disable SmartScreen. But I digress…on to how to turn it off in Windows.
Turn Off Windows 8 SmartScreen
You can disable the Windows 8 SmartScreen by using the following steps.
- Use the keyboard shortcut WinKey + W to display the Settings search field and type: smart.
- Then select Change SmartScreen Settings under the search results.
- The Action Center screen comes up on the desktop. Click Change Windows SmartScreen Settings link in the left pane.
- Now select “Don’t Do Anything (Turn Off Windows SmartScreen)” and click OK.
- After turning it off, a balloon message will pop up in the Notification area of the Taskbar. Just click to close it.
- Also, you’ll see a warning message under Security in Action Center. Since you know what you’re doing, click the link to turn off messages about SmartScreen.
