Yes, it is a good thing that Windows 10 has security features like Defender SmartScreen built in, but sometimes they get in the way. You really want to install this app — you know there's nothing wrong with it — but you're locked out.
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An administrator has blocked you from running this app (unable to install McAfee software on Windows 10). Under this restriction, you will get This app has been blocked by your system administrator notification if you are trying to open a specific app. Then, what to do if you need to allow a specific department to access all the apps due to some work purpose? It's very simple.
Windows Defender SmartScreen acts as a sort of guard dog while you use Windows 10. It will block you from opening some apps if they come from an unknown place or are created by an unknown publisher. While these steps will get you around the Windows 10 block, you should use them with care. Some apps really are harmful and really will get you in a mess. Only go around the Windows 10 app block if you know for sure that the file is safe.
How to open a file blocked by Windows Defender SmartScreen
If a file you know is safe is going to give you trouble when you attempt to launch it, you can quickly give it permission to open.
The file should now be treated as safe by SmartScreen and you'll be allowed to open it. If you're running into further problems, try running the program as an Administrator in addition to the steps above.
How to disable Windows Defender SmartScreen
Although not recommended, SmartScreen can be disabled through Windows Defender. If you must completely disable SmartScreen, we recommend re-enabling it soon after.
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SmartScreen is now completely disabled. If you'd like to still receive a warning when a potentially malicious file or program is detected, you can choose Warn in each SmartScreen section.
How to enable Windows Defender SmartScreen
Once you've done everything that SmartScreen was preventing you from doing, you should immediately go back and re-enable it. Even if the file or program you were working with was known not to be malicious, forgetting to enable SmartScreen could lead to big problems in the future.
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When attempting to download a file through Microsoft Edge, you might sometimes run into a SmartScreen block. Use this guide to get around it and download the files you want.
Updated August 1, 2018: I've refreshed this guide to ensure you're still getting current information about SmartScreen and how to get around it.
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