Windows SmartScreen Filter - What is it? What is the SmartScreen process for and why does it work on my computer? What is a smart screen on Windows 8.

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Windows 8 has many secrets and “tricks”, the principle of operation of which may not be immediately understood. Well, one of these options is the Windows SmartScreen feature. The system was created by the developers so that this option is enabled by default.

What does this give the user?

In fact, sometimes it turns out that there is little that is pleasant. The filter monitors applications installed on the device, from time to time “pampering” the user with its simple warnings about the security status of a particular program. In general, the principles of operation are quite clear and simple.
SmartScreen has a lot of rational, positive principles in it: it helps users recognize what is a normal program and what is potentially dangerous (with minor vicissitudes, but still).

Plus, to all this, Windows SmartScreen is endowed with the ability to send a certain category of data, certain information to Microsoft servers.

Whether or not to work with this “trick” is up to you to decide. But one thing is for sure: if you want to disable all options, you should pay attention to the information that will be given below.

What happens when the options are enabled?

In total, there are three most significant “pillars”:

Requiring confirmation from the administrator before launching downloaded unknown software. Something like this: “Do you really confirm that the program is running as an administrator?” (pictures and threat icons are attached).
Warn the user before executing software unknown to the device
Disable SmartScreen, which is frankly annoying with its warnings.

Several benefits of disabling Windows SmartScreen

It is worth saying that the obvious and visible problem of the presence of surveillance of the installation of unknown software, a program enabled by default, is just the tip of the iceberg.

In fact, it’s worth taking a break and trying to look a little deeper, to evaluate the very essence of this problem. The operation of Windows SmartScreen represents a violation of the privacy of information and the actions performed by users. Sometimes one gets the impression that new technologies, which seem to serve for the benefit of humanity and its development, turn out to be an attempt to “control” the entire population (and, what is most surprising, by the own will of each of us). A problem has been discussed more than once that is associated with the use of Skype and currently existing social networks, the user agreement of which directly states the possibility of “leaking” information about a specific user in one case or another (a special procedure is used and all that). Not so long ago, another “new product” appeared, which is perceived ambiguously. It is connected with the “revolution in fingerprints”, with the help of which the security of user devices will be ensured (perhaps something else?).

The Windows SmartScreen tool is just a kind of “lever” that can not always be used, not in all cases, but potentially has a place to be. If Windows SmartScreen collects information about users, then this means there is potential future pressure on Microsoft. The purpose of pressure is the release of private information to government agencies, as well as legal representatives of holders of certain copyrights. The flow of information that slowly but surely moves from your computer has the potential to be intercepted by hackers. Without major problems, you can study and understand exactly which programs are installed by the user, what features they have, and so on.

How is the “dangerous-safe” SmartScreen disabled?

Method number one.

In the Windows Control Panel you need to find Action Center. The left column should catch your attention with an option called Change Windows SmartScreen settings. Here you need to select the tab called “Do nothing/turn off Windows SmartScreen”

Method number two.

Win+R.
gpedit.msc (this is needed in order to “call to work” the Local Group Policy Editor)
Computer configuration
Administrative Templates
Windows components
Configure Windows SmartScreen (select what you need in the window).

As you can see, the second option is several times longer. As they say, for those who are not looking for easy ways. Well, as for the question of whether to disable or not disable Windows SmartScreen, this is up to users to decide.

Windows 10 includes SmartScreen, a feature that helps protect your PC from downloaded malware and malicious websites. The SmartScreen process - called "smartscreen.exe" - that you see in the task manager is responsible for this function.

The amount of CPU and memory used should be fairly small, and the entire process should be very fast, although larger files will take longer to process than smaller files. This check only runs the first time you open a downloaded program or file, so it doesn't waste resources every time you open the app.

Is it possible to disable SmartScreen

You cannot completely disable the SmartScreen process. Even if you disable the SmartScreen feature in Windows, the SmartScreen process will still run when you log into your computer. However, it uses no CPU resources and only a few megabytes of memory. You can force terminate this process from Task Manager, but Windows will start it again automatically when needed.

To prevent the SmartScreen processor from using CPU and memory resources in the background, disable the SmartScreen feature.

We do not recommend doing this! SmartScreen is a useful security tool that helps protect your computer from malware. Even if you have other security software installed, SmartScreen can protect you from something that your main security program might miss. Either way, it uses a small amount of system resources.

SmartScreen is a virus

We have not seen any reports of malware imitating SmartScreen or smartscreen.exe. This process is part of Windows 10 and helps protect your PC from malware, although no security solution is perfect.

Windows Smartscreen is an important Windows feature that protects your computer from suspicious software. Previously, the filter was built only into the Internet Explorer browser, but starting with Windows 8 it became an integral part of the operating system itself. For the time being, the user may not be aware of the existence of a smartscreen, but at one point, when trying to install some program, a message will appear warning about a possible threat. What is this Windows filter, is it possible to disable it, and what are the consequences of such deactivation?

How Smartscreen works

As we have already noted, smartscreen functionality is integrated into the Internet Explorer browser. After the release of the new Microsoft Edge browser, it was also provided with similar protection. So downloading software through any of these browsers may be blocked if the smartscreen suddenly considers it potentially dangerous.

If the executable file is already on your computer, the filter will make itself known when you try to run it. A pop-up window with a warning message will give the user the option to either refuse or continue despite some risk.

And here the question arises, by what criteria does the filter classify applications as unwanted and is it worth ignoring the notification?

During its operation, Windows Smartscreen accesses a cloud database that stores a list of programs and their ratings. Information here comes from user computers that have the smartscreen filter enabled and the corresponding option is active, allowing information about all installed software products to be transmitted to Microsoft. Based on the collected data, a trust rating is created, and if the downloaded application has a low security rating or is not in the store at all, then the above message is displayed.

What happens if you disable Windows Smartscreen?

Very often, the filter mistakenly blocks applications that do not pose any threat to the user. In such cases, you should simply use the button that allows you to continue executing the program. If the protection is triggered constantly, then it can be completely disabled. But in this case, a good antivirus with constantly updated databases must be installed on your computer. Otherwise, the possibility of running malware cannot be ruled out. Let's say you are completely sure that you don't need Smartscreen. What are the ways to disable it?

How to disable SmartScreen in Explorer and Edge browsers

In Internet Explorer, to disable scanning of websites, first click on the gear in the upper right corner of the window, then select the “Security” line and the “Disable SmartScreen filter...” item.

Select the appropriate item in the window and save the settings.

To remove protection in the Microsoft Edge browser, click on the ellipses button in the upper right corner, and then go to Options - View additional. options. Scroll down and switch the desired option to the “Off” position.

Deactivating a filter using the Control Panel

To turn off the Smartscreen feature in Windows 10, go to Control Panel, and then to the “Security and Maintenance” section.

If the filter is enabled, then in the window that opens, the switch will be in the “Request administrator approval before launching an unidentified application from the Internet (recommended)” position. There are also two more points:

Warn before running an unidentified application, but do not require administrator approval.
Do nothing (disable Windows Smartscreen).

To completely disable Smartscreen, select the last option and save the changes with the OK button.

How to configure Windows Smartscreen through Group Policy

A more sophisticated way is to use the Local Group Policy Editor. To run it, enter the command in the “Run” line (Win + R) gpedit.msc. In the editor window, follow the branch Computer Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Components - Explorer. On the right we find the option “Configure Windows Smartscreen” and click on it.

Disabling SmartScreen in the registry

Changing Windows Smartscreen settings can be done using the Windows Registry. Open the registry editor ( Win+R ->regedit) and go to the section HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. Here we find the parameter SmartScreenEnabled, taking one of three values:

RequireAdmin – request administrator confirmation;
Prompt – display a warning, but do not require administrator confirmation;
Off – disable the filter.

Set it to "Off" and Windows will no longer monitor application launches.

That's all we wanted to tell you about Smartscreen in Windows. Think and decide for yourself whether you need this function or whether your computer is already well protected.

SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10 helps protect your PC from suspicious, malicious apps and files. Additionally, SmartScreen Filter may also display a warning message when you try to launch an unrecognized application. Smart Screen uses Microsoft cloud computing technology to quickly detect, warn and block potentially unwanted applications. Typically, you can easily disable the SmartScreen filter for unrecognized apps in just a few clicks and launch the app or file as needed.

Disable SmartScreen in Windows 10

1. Using Windows Security

The easiest way to disable SmartScreen Filter is to use the options provided by Windows Security Center. Built-in Windows Defender Antivirus lets you manage SmartScreen settings for applications and files, Microsoft Edge browser And Microsoft Store apps separately.

Step 1. Open " Options" > "Update and Security" > "Windows Security">Open service" Windows Security"

Step 2. Next go to " Application/Browser Control" and on the right you will see that SmartScreen is enabled on Warn for all three categories. To disable SmartScreen completely, you need to select Switch off in all categories: Scanning applications and files, for Microsoft Edge, for applications from the Microsoft Store.

2. Using the Group Policy Editor

For system or network administrators, Windows has a specific policy setting in the Group Policy Editor to quickly disable SmartScreen Filter in Windows 10.

Step 1. Press the Win + R key combination and enter gpedit.msc to open Group Policies. In the editor, go to "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "File Explorer" and on the right, find and double-click on "policy".

Step 2. In the settings window, set Disabled to turn off the SmartScreen filter. For the changes to take effect, restart the system.

3. Using the Registry Editor

Home users of Windows 10 Home will not have access to the Group Policy Editor. However, you can use Registry Editor to disable SmartScreen Filter. Before editing the registry.

Step 1. Press Win + R and enter regedit to launch Registry Editor, then navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System

In the empty space on the right, right-click New > DWORD32 (32-bit) Value. Set a name EnableSmartScreen double click on it and set the value 0 . Restart your PC.

Step 2. If you need turn on SmartScreen back then set the value 1 For EnableSmartScreen. Next you need to set the blocking level. To do this, right-click in the right pane and select New > String Parameter and name it ShellSmartScreenLevel. Next, just double-click and set the value:

Warn- displays a warning, but you can bypass it.
Block- displays a warning message and blocks the application or file from running.

Once you're done, reboot your system.

Read about What is Windows Defender SmartScreen, how much does it use PC resources and how to disable it. Windows Defender SmartScreen helps protect your computer from malware downloaded from the Internet and malicious websites. The “SmartScreen” process with the file name “smartscreen.exe”, which can be found in the task manager, is responsible for this function.

So what is the “SmartScreen” process and what exactly does it do?

Process "SmartScreen" was added back in Windows 8, and with each update it is constantly improving in Windows 10. Every time you launch any program or file, "SmartScreen" scans them for presence in the database "Microsoft". If the file was previously added to the database as safe (for example, if you run the installer "Google Chrome" or "iTunes") then this program will not be blocked. If this file was previously marked as malicious, then "SmartScreen" will block it from launching. If a particular file is not found in the database "Microsoft", That "SmartScreen" will prevent this file from running and display a warning for you. And it will give you the opportunity to decide whether to run this file or program at your own risk or not.

This service is also used in the browser "Microsoft Edge" and application "Microsoft Store", to block harmful or unwanted web content. Nevertheless, "SmartScreen" in the Windows 10 operating system, constantly checks downloaded data from the Internet, no matter what browser or download software you use. It works great with any modern browsers such as "Google Chrome", "Opera", "Mozilla Firefox" etc., constantly scanning data, both during regular web surfing and when downloading any content.

Process "SmartScreen"– this is another level of security in addition to the standard one Windows Defender which is running as an executable service process "Antimalware" on your PC. Having multiple layers of security helps to better protect your computer. Even if you use any other antivirus program and web browser with its own anti-malware features.

How much does it use PC resources?

In most cases the process "SmartScreen" works in the background and uses almost no resources of the personal computer. You can find out exactly how much a process consumes in "Task Manager", it uses almost no resources "CPU"(0%), and takes up only a few megabytes of RAM (RAM - 4.3 MB). Windows may automatically close this process when it is not in use, so sometimes you may not be able to find it in "Task Manager".

However, if the OS has the function enabled "SmartScreen", and you download or launch a new application or file, it will resume its work and scan the data. The operating system will automatically launch it if it was unloaded earlier, and then you can see exactly how much processor resources and RAM it requires to operate. Because the, "SmartScreen" calculates "hash data" file, sends this data to the server "Microsoft" and waits for a response to know if the file is safe or not. If it is safe, then the system runs the application or file as normal.

Filter "SmartScreen" used in conjunction with normal antivirus scans, which are performed using an executable file process "Antimalware" if you are using Windows Defender by default as your antivirus program.

In any case, the amount of CPU and RAM resources used should be quite low, and the entire process of running a given service should be very fast and almost invisible to users. At the same time, scanning large files takes longer than smaller ones. This check is performed only the first time a loaded program is launched or the first time a file is accessed; it will not be performed again and, accordingly, PC resources will not be consumed.

Is it possible to disable SmartScreen?

The operating system will not give you the option to completely disable the process "SmartScreen". Even if you quit "SmartScreen" in Windows, the process will still restart automatically when you log back into the operating system. At the same time, we do not recommend terminating it, since it practically does not use computer resources. But, if necessary, you can forcefully terminate this process in "Task Manager".

Also, it cannot be prevented from restarting again and using CPU and RAM resources in the background.

"SmartScreen"- This is an extremely useful system security feature, another level of PC protection from malware. Even if you are using third party security software, "SmartScreen" will be another level of protection, without interfering with the operation of your antivirus. In addition, file databases "Microsoft" are updated quite quickly and, perhaps, this function can protect your computer even before your antivirus database is updated.

However, to disable the filter "SmartScreen" on Windows 10, go to "Start" – > "Options" – > "Update and Security" – > Windows Defender. Next, click on the button "Open Windows Defender Security Center".

Could it be a virus?

At this point in time, I have not seen information on the Internet that any malware is masquerading as a process "SmartScreen" or "smartscreen.exe". It is a built-in feature of Windows 10 and helps protect your computer from malware. Every day new viruses, Trojans, bots and various kinds of network worms appear on the Internet. It is quite possible that one day a virus will appear that will appear to the system as a process "SmartScreen". If you're concerned that there may be malware on your PC, then it's always a good idea to run a full system scan with your antivirus program to make sure everything is fine with your system.