Can't access Windows SmartScreen: How to unblock it

SmartScreen is a built-in, cloud-based anti-malware security feature that prevents devices from downloading or browsing potentially harmful websites. However, this feature may block other activities, causing the "Windows Smart Screen is now inaccessible" error on your PC.

Also, we have a detailed guide on how to fix unsafe downloads blocked by SmartScreen error message on Windows 11.

What causes the Windows Smart Screen cannot be accessed error?

Immediately cannot access the smart screen error when trying to install a program on Windows 11. Some of the factors responsible are:

• Network connection issues – Windows SmartScreen is a cloud-based anti-malware software that requires a stable and secure network connection. Therefore, errors may occur when there is network congestion or other network-related issues on the system's internet.
• Smart Screen Settings Issue – Disabling the Windows Smart Screen component of your computer sometimes prompts an error because the service cannot connect.
• A proxy server is being used on your computer – Using a proxy server may cause a “SmartScreen cannot be accessed” error on your computer. This is because Smart Screen is not compatible with proxy servers.
• Virus and Malware Attacks – Program installation can cause Windows Smart Screen errors due to viruses or malware on your computer.

Nonetheless, we will discuss the effective steps to resolve the “Smart Screen can’t be accessed now” error message on Windows 11.

What should I do if I can't access Windows SmartScreen?

Perform the following preliminary checks:

• Close background applications running on your computer.
• Check your network connection.
• Disable third-party antivirus software.
• Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the error persists.

If the SmartScreen error message persists, try the following solutions:

1. Enable Windows Smart Screen in Defender Options

1. Left click single Click the Start button, type Windows Security, and then click Apply to start it.
2. Select "Application and Browser Controls". Click the Reputation-based protection settings link.
3. Toggle the following switches in reputation-based protection:
   • Check apps and files
   • SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge
   • Potentially unwanted apps Block
   • Smart Screen for Microsoft Store Apps
4. Close the page and restart your PC and check if the SmartScreen cannot be accessed error persists.

Expert Tip:

Some PC problems are difficult to solve, especially when they involve corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having trouble fixing errors, your system may be partially corrupted.
We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and determine what the fault is.
Click here to download and start repairing.

Turning on reputation-based protection will enable the Windows SmartScreen in Defender option.

2. Open Windows Defender Smart Screen

1. Press the key to open the "Run" dialog box, type gpedit.msc, and then press to open Group Policy. WindowsREnter
2. Navigate to: <strong>Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\ File Explorer</strong>
3. Double-click the "Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen" option.
4. Check the Single option button in the upper left corner is enabled, and then click the OK button in the lower corner of the screen.

The above steps will turn on Smart Screen by enabling the "Configure Windows Defender Smart Screen" option.

3. Disable the proxy server in Windows settings

1. Press the key to start Settings. WindowsI
2. Select Network & Internet and click the Proxy option.
3. Turn off Use proxy server to disable it and click the Save button.
4. Restart your PC and check if the “Cannot Access Smart Screen” error persists.

Disabling the proxy server on your computer will fix any interference it causes with SmartScreen. Read how to fix the proxy when it's not turned off on Windows 11.

4. Create a new user account

1. Press the key to open the "Settings" application. WindowsI
2. Click Accounts and select Other Users from the right pane.
3. Go to the Other Users tab and click Add Account.
4. Click the "I don't have login information for this person" link on the new screen.
5. Select "Add users without Microsoft accounts."
6. Fill in the necessary spaces and click the Next button.
7. Click the Change Account Type button.
8. Select Administrator on the new page and click OK.
9. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Using a new account on your computer can resolve any account-related issues that are preventing SmartScreen from working properly.

5. Run Windows Defender scan

1. Left-click the "Start" button, type Windows Security Center, and then click . Enter
2. Click Virus & Threat Protection from the menu and select Scan options.
3. Then, select Full Scan and click the Scan Now button and wait for the scan to complete.

Running a Windows Defender scan will find and remove any malware and viruses that are causing the error. Read how to fix Windows virus and threat protection not working on Windows 11.

Alternatively, check out our guide on Windows Defender SmartScreen blocking unrecognized apps and how to fix it.

The above is the detailed content of Can't access Windows SmartScreen: How to unblock it. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!