How to: Bypass Windows Defender SmartScreen

Overview

This guide explains how to bypass the built-in Windows Defender SmartScreen system from blocking the installation of applications.

Image depicting Windows Defender SmartScreen blocking the installation of an application.

Procedure

The following steps will require admin rights, which can be requested here. 

  1. Open the file location of the blocked application, right-click on it, and select Properties.
  2. At the bottom of the General tab, in the Security section, check the box labelled Unblock.
    • Image of an application's file properties to show the "Unblock" feature in Security settings.
  3. Select Apply, then OK or close the window.
  4. Run the application installer.
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