In Windows Security, click App & browser control on the left-side navigation.“ SmartScreen Filter” is a feature of Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 operating systems which has been implemented to improve safety and security of your computer.

This will open the Windows Security settings in a new window.

In the Settings window, click Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security.

Alternatively, you can right-click on the Start menu and select Settings from the menu.

Open Settings by pressing and holding Win+ I.

Follow the steps below to disable it on your system and in Microsoft Edge: But if it's not the culprit of the performance issue, make sure to turn it back on right away. However, if after some troubleshooting you think that it is contributing to the overall problem of your computer, you can disable it to confirm your theory. Related: Vital Steps to Secure Your Windows 10 Computer While it can sometimes use many of your device’s resources, it is strongly recommended to keep it running for your own protection. SmartScreen is a built-in security function of Windows that should remain enabled for most computers, as it can restrict dangerous apps, files, websites, emails, and more from harming your PC. It is also used to protect files you download from the browser, warning you against blocked sites and downloads it believes to be a threat. If you doubt the app’s safety, you can always run it in Windows 10 Sandbox mode, an isolated version of Windows where you can test out programs that you don’t fully trust.Īt the same time, SmartScreen is also the program that protects the new Google Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser from malware and phishing attacks. In this case, you can override the decision.īe careful when doing so, and only allow software that you are sure to be safe. In some cases, SmartScreen won’t know whether the app is trusted or not. Related: Steps to Take When You Discover Malware on Your Computer Once it recognizes that it is a threat or malware, it will step in and stop it from running, protecting your system from any damage. But if you’re launching software from unknown third-party developers, it will be cautious when opening it. However, SmartScreen won’t likely block popular programs it recognizes, such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.

Smartscreen defender