How to disable SmartScreen in Windows 8.1

This short tutorial details how to deactivate SmartScreen in Windows and a little information about what it is and what it is for, so that the decision to deactivate it is informed. The most common reason to do this is that when the program starts, a message appears telling you that SmartScreen is not available at the moment (if you are not connected to the Internet), but that is not the reason why you should do it (and the program can be run anyway).

The Windows SmartScreen filter is a new security layer introduced in version 8 of the operating system. More specifically, it has migrated from Internet Explorer (where it was also in Seventh) to the operating system level itself. The feature itself helps protect your computer from malicious programs downloaded from the Internet, and unless you know exactly why you need it, you shouldn't disable SmartScreen. See also: How to disable SmartScreen in Windows 10 (instructions also include a way to fix when settings are inactive in Control Panel, which will work for Windows 8.1 as well).

Disable SmartScreen filter

To disable SmartScreen, open the Windows 8 Control Panel (change the view to "icons" instead of "categories") and select "Support Center". You can also open it by right-clicking the box in the notification area of ​​the taskbar. On the right side of the Support Center, select "Change Windows SmartScreen settings".

The items in the following dialog speak for themselves. In our case, it is necessary to select Do nothing (deactivate Windows SmartScreen). Apply the changes you made and no more messages will appear stating that Windows SmartScreen is no longer available or has protected your computer. If you only need it temporarily, I recommend that you remember to turn it on later.

Note: To disable Windows SmartScreen, you must have administrator privileges on your computer.