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How to Fix Smart Screen Filter Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

SmartScreen Filter is a security feature in Windows 11 that helps protect your PC from malicious websites and downloads. Sometimes, this filter may stop working, leaving your device vulnerable. Fixing this issue is important to ensure your system stays safe while browsing or installing apps.

This article will guide you through simple and effective steps to fix the SmartScreen Filter if it’s not working on your Windows 11 computer. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along easily.

Before diving into the solutions, it’s good to understand why SmartScreen might fail. It could be due to system settings, corrupted files, or network issues. We will start with quick checks and move towards more advanced fixes.

Let’s begin with some quick notes and prerequisites you should verify before starting the troubleshooting process.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Check your Internet connection: SmartScreen needs internet access to verify files and websites. Make sure your PC is connected to the internet.
  • Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often include fixes for system features like SmartScreen.
  • Administrator access: You may need admin privileges to change certain settings related to SmartScreen.
  • Antivirus interference: Sometimes third-party antivirus software can block SmartScreen. Temporarily disable it to test if that’s the cause.

Step 1: Verify SmartScreen Filter is Enabled

SmartScreen needs to be turned on in Windows settings to work properly. Follow these steps to check and enable it:

  1. Click on the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security on the left sidebar.
  3. Click on Windows Security, then select App & browser control.
  4. Under the section Check apps and files, make sure it is set to Warn or Block. If it’s set to Off, click and change it.
  5. Also, check the SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge and ensure it’s enabled.

Why this matters: If SmartScreen is turned off, it won’t filter any apps or websites. Enabling it restores protection.

Step 2: Run Windows Security Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix problems with security features.

  1. Open Settings and go to System.
  2. Select Troubleshoot, then click on Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Security in the list and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

This tool checks for common issues and applies fixes automatically, which might restore SmartScreen functionality without manual intervention.

Step 3: Check Group Policy Settings (For Windows Pro and Above)

If you are using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, incorrect Group Policy settings might disable SmartScreen.

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
  4. Find the setting called Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen.
  5. Double-click it and set it to Not Configured or Enabled.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.
  7. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Why this step helps: Group Policy can override system settings. If SmartScreen is disabled here, it won’t work regardless of other configurations.

Step 4: Reset SmartScreen Using Windows Registry

Editing the registry can fix deeper issues but must be done carefully. Always back up your registry before making changes.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer
  3. Look for a key named SmartScreenEnabled.
  4. If it exists, double-click it and set the value to RequireAdmin or Warn.
  5. If the key does not exist, you can create a new String Value named SmartScreenEnabled and set it to RequireAdmin.
  6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Note: The registry controls important system settings. Setting SmartScreen to “RequireAdmin” means it will ask for permission before running unknown apps, enhancing security.

Step 5: Check Windows Defender Services

SmartScreen depends on certain Windows services to function. If these services are stopped, SmartScreen may not work.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Defender SmartScreen Service.
  3. Right-click on it and select Properties.
  4. Make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
  5. If the service is stopped, click Start to run it.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.
  7. Restart your PC and check if SmartScreen is working.

Alternative Method: Use PowerShell to Enable SmartScreen

If the above steps don’t work, you can try enabling SmartScreen using a PowerShell command.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
Set-MpPreference -EnableSmartScreen $true

This command forces SmartScreen to enable via Windows Defender preferences. Restart your PC after running the command.

FAQs About SmartScreen Filter Issues

Why is my SmartScreen filter not working even though it is enabled?

Sometimes, corrupted system files or conflicting software can prevent SmartScreen from functioning. Running the Windows troubleshooter or resetting SmartScreen in the registry often helps.

Can third-party antivirus software affect SmartScreen?

Yes, some antivirus programs may disable SmartScreen to avoid conflicts. Temporarily disabling the antivirus can help you test if it’s causing the problem.

Is SmartScreen only for Microsoft Edge browser?

No, SmartScreen works system-wide for apps, files, and websites, including Microsoft Edge. Make sure both system and browser SmartScreen settings are enabled.

How do I check if SmartScreen is working properly?

Try downloading a known unsafe file or visiting a suspicious website. If SmartScreen is working, you should see a warning prompt blocking the action.

Can I turn off SmartScreen safely?

While you can turn it off, it’s not recommended because SmartScreen provides important protection against malicious content.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix the SmartScreen issue, consider the following final options:

  • Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as admin and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
  • Reset Windows Security app: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find Windows Security, and select Advanced Options > Reset.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support site for further assistance.
  • Consider a system restore: If SmartScreen stopped working after a recent change, restoring your system to an earlier point may help.

Conclusion

SmartScreen Filter is an important security feature in Windows 11 that helps protect you from harmful files and websites. If it stops working, it’s important to fix it quickly to maintain your PC’s safety.

Start by checking that SmartScreen is enabled, then run the built-in troubleshooter, and verify system policies and services. Advanced steps like editing the registry or using PowerShell commands can help restore functionality if needed.

Always keep your Windows updated and be cautious when disabling security software. Following the steps in this guide will help you get SmartScreen working again smoothly and keep your Windows 11 device protected.

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