Windows SmartScreen Can’t Be Reached Right Now
By Timothy Tibbettson 06/15/2023 |
SmartScreen is a cloud-based anti-phishing and anti-malware component included in Windows 8, Windows 10, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Outlook.com. If SmartScreen is down, then you won't be able to download anything. This error can be frustrating, and there are numerous possible fixes for this problem.
Before we go to step-by-step solutions, let's look at some basic steps to consider. We're assuming that your internet connection is okay and that Microsoft's servers aren't down, which is rare.
Make sure that Windows Updates are current because this includes Windows Defender updates. Edge or Internet Explorer settings should be checked to be sure SmartScreen is on. Go to Settings, Advanced and scroll to the bottom. While you're in Edge or Explorer settings, temporary files should be cleared if you don't do that on a regular basis.
Finally, since this is almost always a temporary problem, click on Run or Run Anyway if you're downloading a trusted app that you need now.
If your issue is ongoing, then let's try a few things.
1: Reboot
You know we hate this suggestion, but we wouldn't suggest it if it weren't a possibility. Some report that rebooting 2, 3 and even 4 times did the trick. We suspect this could be due to stuck Windows updates. Regardless, try rebooting first.
2: Verify SmartScreen Is On
Press the Windows Key + S and begin typing in Defender and click on Windows Defender Settings. Click on App & Browser Control. At the time of this article, there are three sections and each will be set to Block, Warn, or Off. The default is Warn so be sure all three are set to Warn.
3: Enable Hidden Admin Account
Some have reported good luck by opening PowerShell as admin and typing in net user administrator /active:yes. We tested this on a computer without this problem with no issues so give it a try.
4: Scan for Malware
While many people love to default to blaming malware, it's a significant possibility here. Sophisticated malware looks to disable your security including Windows Defender, antivirus and more. We'd do a complete scan with Malwarebytes or IOBit Malware Fighter.
Hopefully, we've solved the problem for you. As always, comments and suggestions are welcome below.
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Before we go to step-by-step solutions, let's look at some basic steps to consider. We're assuming that your internet connection is okay and that Microsoft's servers aren't down, which is rare.
Make sure that Windows Updates are current because this includes Windows Defender updates. Edge or Internet Explorer settings should be checked to be sure SmartScreen is on. Go to Settings, Advanced and scroll to the bottom. While you're in Edge or Explorer settings, temporary files should be cleared if you don't do that on a regular basis.
Finally, since this is almost always a temporary problem, click on Run or Run Anyway if you're downloading a trusted app that you need now.
If your issue is ongoing, then let's try a few things.
1: Reboot
You know we hate this suggestion, but we wouldn't suggest it if it weren't a possibility. Some report that rebooting 2, 3 and even 4 times did the trick. We suspect this could be due to stuck Windows updates. Regardless, try rebooting first.
2: Verify SmartScreen Is On
Press the Windows Key + S and begin typing in Defender and click on Windows Defender Settings. Click on App & Browser Control. At the time of this article, there are three sections and each will be set to Block, Warn, or Off. The default is Warn so be sure all three are set to Warn.
3: Enable Hidden Admin Account
Some have reported good luck by opening PowerShell as admin and typing in net user administrator /active:yes. We tested this on a computer without this problem with no issues so give it a try.
4: Scan for Malware
While many people love to default to blaming malware, it's a significant possibility here. Sophisticated malware looks to disable your security including Windows Defender, antivirus and more. We'd do a complete scan with Malwarebytes or IOBit Malware Fighter.
Hopefully, we've solved the problem for you. As always, comments and suggestions are welcome below.
comments powered by Disqus
