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How to Fix SmartScreen.exe Not Working Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

SmartScreen.exe is an essential security feature in Windows 11 that helps protect your computer from malicious software and phishing attacks. Sometimes, users encounter issues where SmartScreen.exe stops working or doesn’t function as expected. This can leave your system vulnerable and cause frustration when trying to download or run certain applications.

Fixing the SmartScreen.exe not working error requires a few simple troubleshooting steps. These steps will guide you through checking system settings, updating Windows components, and ensuring SmartScreen is enabled properly.

In this guide, we will cover basic to advanced solutions, making it easy for anyone to follow along and restore SmartScreen functionality. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

By the end of this article, you will understand why SmartScreen errors occur and how to resolve them effectively to keep your system secure.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date: Many issues are fixed by installing the latest updates from Microsoft.
  • Check your internet connection: SmartScreen requires internet access to verify files and websites.
  • Confirm SmartScreen is enabled: Sometimes, the feature might be turned off accidentally.
  • Run a malware scan: Malware can interfere with SmartScreen functionality.

Step 1: Verify SmartScreen Settings Are Enabled

The first and easiest step is to make sure that SmartScreen is turned on in Windows Security settings. If it’s disabled, SmartScreen won’t work at all.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Privacy & Security in the sidebar.
  3. Click on Windows Security.
  4. Choose App & Browser Control.
  5. Under Reputation-based protection, ensure the toggle for Check apps and files is set to On.
  6. Also, confirm that SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge and SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps are enabled.

Why this matters: If SmartScreen is turned off in these settings, it can’t scan apps or websites, which will cause it to seem like SmartScreen.exe isn’t working.

Step 2: Restart the SmartScreen Service

SmartScreen runs as a background service. Sometimes, restarting it can fix temporary glitches.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Defender SmartScreen Service.
  4. Right-click on it and select Restart. If it’s not running, choose Start.

Why this helps: Restarting the service refreshes its processes and can fix issues caused by temporary errors or crashes.

Step 3: Check Group Policy Settings (For Windows 11 Pro and above)

If you are using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, Group Policy settings might disable SmartScreen. Here is how to check and fix this:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer
  3. Find the policy named “Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen”.
  4. Double-click it and set it to Not Configured or Enabled.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.
  6. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Why this step is crucial: Group Policy overrides system settings. If SmartScreen is disabled here, your regular settings won’t enable it.

Step 4: Use Windows Security Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common problems.

  1. Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot.
  2. Select Other troubleshooters.
  3. Look for Windows Security and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Why use the troubleshooter: It can identify underlying issues with security components and fix them without you having to manually intervene.

Step 5: Run System File Checker and DISM Commands

Corrupted system files can cause SmartScreen.exe errors. Running these commands repairs damaged Windows files.

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This will scan and repair corrupted system files. Wait until the process completes.

  1. Next, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool by typing these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Once done, restart your computer.

Why this is important: System file corruption can break SmartScreen functionality. These tools fix such issues at the system level.

Alternative Method: Create a New User Account

Sometimes, user profile corruption can cause SmartScreen.exe to misbehave. Creating a new user profile can help determine if this is the cause.

  1. Open Settings and go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  2. Click Add account under “Other users.”
  3. Follow instructions to create a new local user account.
  4. Log out of your current account and sign in with the new account.
  5. Check if SmartScreen works correctly.

Why try this: If SmartScreen works on a new account, your old user profile may be corrupted or misconfigured.

FAQs

Q: What is SmartScreen.exe?

SmartScreen.exe is a Windows security process that helps protect your PC by filtering potentially dangerous apps and files from the internet.

Q: Can I disable SmartScreen safely?

Disabling SmartScreen is not recommended as it reduces your protection against malware and phishing. Only disable it if you fully understand the risks.

Q: Why does SmartScreen stop working after Windows updates?

Sometimes updates change system settings or cause conflicts that disrupt SmartScreen. Running updates fully and restarting usually fixes this.

Q: Will antivirus software interfere with SmartScreen?

Most antivirus programs work fine with SmartScreen, but some third-party security tools may conflict. Temporarily disabling them can help identify issues.

Q: How do I know if SmartScreen is working?

You will see warnings when downloading or running suspicious apps or websites. If those warnings don’t appear, SmartScreen might be disabled or broken.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and SmartScreen.exe still doesn’t work, consider the following options:

  • Reset your PC: Use the Windows Reset feature to reinstall the OS without losing your files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support website for personalized help and advanced troubleshooting.
  • Scan for malware with a trusted tool: Use tools like Malwarebytes to ensure no infection is causing the problem.

These steps should be taken cautiously, especially resetting your PC, which affects system settings.

Conclusion

SmartScreen.exe is a vital security feature in Windows 11 that protects your system from threats. When it stops working, it’s important to fix it promptly to maintain your computer’s safety.

Starting with simple checks like enabling SmartScreen in settings and restarting the service often resolves the issue. More advanced steps like editing Group Policy or repairing system files fix deeper problems.

Remember to keep your Windows updated and run regular malware scans to prevent SmartScreen errors. If all else fails, using Microsoft’s support resources or resetting your PC are effective last-resort options.

Following this step-by-step guide will help you restore SmartScreen functionality and keep your Windows 11 PC secure.

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